Batista tries to maintain his X factor
Cash is God but creativity is vital
He laughs and points out of his EBX Rio office window to the Gloria marina. In the marina sits his luxury tourist boat, the Pink Fleet. Behind the marina is the Hotel Gloria. In the 1950s the 630-room hotel was host to prominent politicians, artists and scientists, but now it is in much need of renovation.
"I’ve just bought the Gloria hotel and in July 2011, when it reopens, it will be the best hotel ever. Not in the glitzy, over the top way, but in a European chic way. I have already opened a Chinese restaurant in Rio that is simply excellent.
"More than anything I want the people of São Paulo to no longer be able to brag and claim that São Paulo is better. I want to build things in Rio that will kill the people in São Paulo with envy!"