By Ronan McMahon
For International Living

This June, Fortaleza, on Brazil’s northeastern coast, was named as a host city for the 2014 soccer World Cup. In 2013, Fortaleza will host the Confederations Cup. Property investors should pay attention—this is a fantastic opportunity to profit.

The build up to 2014 will see dramatic infrastructure upgrades in Fortaleza, as well as a tourism boom and global exposure. The government is investing 9.8 billion reais ($5.5 billion) and infrastructure projects there will get 63% of this spend. I’ve just returned from my eighth scouting trip to Fortaleza in 16 months. I was there to figure out how we can profit.

In Fortaleza, I found a market that is already benefiting from the World Cup effect. The two five-star hotels (the Gran Marquise and Hotel Luzeiros—both located on the boardwalk) were full…and this is the low tourist season. Demand for high-end accommodation has already been growing for the past 18 months. Companies involved in or pitching for projects associated with the World Cup arrive in town weekly.

Foreign investors looking to profit are increasing. Mostly from northern Europe, these guys have seen this trend before. Property prices in South Africa rose by 35% in 2005, with the country’s hosting of the 2010 World Cup a major factor.

There’s a buzz of excitement in the air. R850 million ($480 million) will be spent on tourism projects: gentrification of urban areas and installing attractions like the state aquarium. And a large sum will also go toward things you’d expect: improved Internet access, new equipment for the hospitals, and so on.

The governor has released a list of projects that will be delivered. Many of these will start immediately. This represents an immediate injection into the local economy, and will fuel demand for short-term rentals in the city. Specialist skills will need to be brought in from outside Fortaleza, and these people will need somewhere to stay.

The Fortaleza area is going to see a major upgrade in road (there will be a new ring road), rail (Fortaleza is getting a metro system), bridge, port, and airport infrastructure. This will make certain areas more accessible and desirable, and will drive up real estate prices in these areas.

Many of the projects on the governor’s list could create an opportunity for you to profit.