Agreement between municipal agencies will requalify CATs and strengthen tourism in Rio

Prefeitura do Rio announced a new strategic step to strengthen the city's position as one of Latin America's leading tourist, cultural and business destinations. An agreement signed between Riotur, the Municipal Secretariat of Economic Development (SMDE) and the Carioca Company of Partnerships and Investments (CCPAR) establishes a series of integrated actions aimed at promoting tourism, attracting investments and the sustainable economic development of the capital of Rio de Janeiro.

Among the main initiatives planned is the requalification and modernization of Tourist Care Centers (CATs), fundamental equipment for the reception of national and international visitors. Coordinated by Riotur, CATs offer information about tourist products, services and attractions and will undergo structural, technological and public service improvements. The proposal also includes the creation of a new space in a public area of great circulation, designed to provide a more welcoming, modern and connected experience to the new demands of global tourism.

Currently, Rio has three CATs located at strategic points of arrival in the city: Tom Jobim/Galeão International Airport, Terminal 2, international landing area; Santos Dumont Airport, also in the landing area; and Novo Rio Highway. In addition, the Integrated Tourist Care Center (CIAT) works in Copacabana, expanding the reach of the service in one of the most visited regions of the city.

Modernisation started in the first half of 2026

The requalification of the centers will be conducted by CCPAR in partnership with Riotur and is expected to start in the first half of 2026. The initiative integrates a technical cooperation agreement with an initial duration of 24 months and does not involve direct transfer of financial resources, based on the sharing of strategic information, the integration of teams and the sum of expertise of the agencies involved.

The agreement also provides for joint promotion campaigns of Rio in Brazil and abroad, within the platform No Clima do Rio, which highlights attributes such as lifestyle, gastronomy, music, sport, nature, culture, hospitality and business. Each agency will have specific tasks: SMDE will be responsible for economic studies and diagnoses; CCPAR will act in the modernization and qualification of public equipment; and Riotur will coordinate marketing and destination promotion actions.

The strengthening of this articulation occurs in a moment of tourism growth in the city. Over the last three years, more than 35 million tourists visited Rio, generating an estimated economic impact of R$ 73.4 billion, according to data from the City Hall. As part of the initiative, the studies and economic analyses produced will be available to the public in the Rio’s Economic Observatory and the Riotur website, expanding transparency and subsidizing evidence-based public policies.