Rio de Janeiro winter tourism projected to generate R$7.4 billion in 2026

The Rio de Janeiro municipal government estimates that winter tourism (July‑September 2026) will generate about R$7.4 billion for the local economy, a 7.8% real increase over the R$6.9 billion recorded in the previous winter. The forecast expects 2.8 million visitors, up 5% among domestic tourists and 15% among international tourists, compared with 2.7 million in 2025 (16.1% foreign, 83.9% domestic).

City officials cite an expanded calendar of events—including the Rio Marathon, Bienal do Livro, Energy Summit, Orquestra Ouro Preto Vale Festival, Festa Junina, Expo Rio Turismo, Festival de Inverno, Rio Innovation Week, Meia Maratona Internacional, Mundial de Ginástica Rítmica and Mondial de la Bière—as the main driver. “The winter season has become a period of intense tourist and economic activity,” said Bernardo Fellows, president of Riotur. Tourism secretary Daniela Maia added that milder temperatures make iconic sites such as Christ the Redeemer and the Sugarloaf Cable Car especially attractive. Economic development secretary Osmar Lima noted the diverse agenda is boosting both leisure and business travel, creating jobs and supporting multiple city sectors.