About Us

Locally informed, globally inspired

About MyDestination.com:

My Destination Rio de Janeiro is part of the My Destination network. A global network of sites created in 2006 by two young entrepreneurs, James Street & Neil Waller. My Destination is focused on providing websites that offer unrivalled levels of local information, actually written by locals. Each site is run by a team on the ground in each destination who have their fingers on the pulse and are providing real time information. The websites combine accurate information on the local area and businesses with the added usability of an online booking engine, offering travellers a one-stop shop where they can research and book their holiday on a single website.
The websites are fresh and simple in design, with a firm focus on quality and quantity of content. Reviews are always written first-hand and every effort is taken to obtain the best images and information available in order to present a true representation of the services on offer. User-generated content and feedback is also built into the website, building upon content quantity and accuracy; major features of the service we provide.
My Destination continues to go from strength to strength and is always looking for new and exciting destinations to add to the network,so if you would like to join our team and be part of our growing network then click on our logo below to find out more about our business.

Heading up My Destination Rio de Janeiro - Rudy Valli

MyDestination.com / Rio de Janeiro is a division of Valmar & Associates, LLC; a limited liability company registered in the USA. The company maintains its corporate office at 31 Coventry Road, Mendham, NJ 07945, USA.

Rudy Valli has been really busy his entire business career – first with IBM in sales and marketing, an entrepreneurial stint with an IT start-up and then as a partner in management consulting at the professional services firm’s Ernst & Young and Accenture. His work allowed him to visit throughout North America and Europe and ignited his passion for travel.  Leisure travel to Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and China along with an MBA in global studies cemented his love for various cultures and destinations.

In 2007, Rudy visited Rio de Janeiro and fell in love with the city and Brazil. His wife, Maryanne encouraged him to start a business that nurtured his zeal for travel. While carrying out entrepreneurial activities that brought him back to Rio, he found MyDestination.com and it was a marriage made in heaven.

Fiona Reidy is originally from Ireland but after making Rio the first stop on a “round the world” trip a few years back, she was hit by the bug for Carioca life and decided to make the Cidade Maravilhosa her new home. She has travelled extensively throughout Brazil as well as other beautiful locations around the world including Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, South East Asia and of course, Europe.  But she knows that wherever she may roam, coming back to Rio is always incomparable. Her passion for travel and people combined with her absolute love for all things Rio makes it very exciting for her to share all her gringa and local knowledge with travelers of all ages and backgrounds. But she has a warning; you may get hooked like her and never want to leave!

Daniel Yomura comes from a family that has a history of traveling. His parents met and worked for the largest airline in Brazil – so travel is “in his blood”. Since childhood, he and his sister have had the opportunity to tour a number of wonderful destinations. He has visited over fifteen different countries outside of Brazil scattered on four continents – visiting countries in the Americas (South, Central and North), Europe, Africa and Asia.   Each time he has returned to his home, he realizes how wonderful Rio really is. He also noticed that the vast majority of people outside of Brazil have no idea that this paradise exists. With great pride and satisfaction he has always sought to guide friends who came to visit the city and everyone, without exception, has been delighted with what Rio has to offer. Now, through MyDestination.com, he sees a great opportunity to show everyone why Rio de Janeiro should be a mandatory holiday destination.

• Rio Restaurant week since yesterday, 50 restaurants, 7 days, lunch and dinner, how will we choose?! http://t.co/qLv646I0
• Had an amazing nite at the maze last night, a perfect clear full moon Rio sky made the fantastic view and soulful jazz really special.
• Samba Great, Carlos Roberto de Oliveira, (Dicró) dies in Rio - victim of a heart attack. Known for his humorous lyrics, the musician was 66.
• Don't miss Tutto Fellini at the Moreira Salles Institute - event in Rio de Janeiro - My Destination Rio de Janeiro http://t.co/Rf6p5z8A