Rio de Janeiro's tourism surge driven by major sports events and regional festivals

Rio de Janeiro is positioning itself as a hub for large‑scale sports and cultural events to boost tourism and the local economy. The city’s Visit Rio forum highlighted the upcoming NFL game at the Maracanã on September 26 and the opening and final matches of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, both expected to attract national and international visitors and generate significant spending.

At the state level, officials emphasized the economic impact of traditional and gastronomic festivals in the interior of Rio de Janeiro, such as the Festa do Tomate in Paty do Alferes, the Festival Sabores do Vale do Café, the Bauernfest in Petrópolis, Pinheiral’s 35‑year celebration, and the Quissamã Artes e Gastronomia event. These gatherings draw tens of thousands of visitors, increase hotel occupancy, create temporary jobs and support local businesses, reinforcing tourism as a key driver of regional development.