Rio starts 2026 with record foreign visitors

Rio began 2026 with a historical result in international tourism. According to official data, the state received 289 thousand foreign visitors in January, the largest number ever registered for the month. The result represents a 17% increase compared to January 2025, reinforcing the position of the city among the most desired destinations in the world.

Among the main issuing markets are Argentina, the United States, Chile, Uruguay and France, which continue to lead the flow of international tourists to the destination. The combination of natural landscapes, cultural offer, gastronomy, major events and Rio de Janeiro hospitality contributes to keeping Rio de Janeiro prominent in the global tourism scenario.

The increase in the number of visitors also reflects the expansion of air connectivity and the strengthening of the strategies of international destination promotion. In this context, Tom Jobim International Airport in Galeão has been recovering leading international routes, expanding the possibilities of access to the city for tourists from different parts of the world.

The growth of international tourism generates positive impacts throughout the city's economic chain, moving sectors such as hospitality, gastronomy, transportation and cultural attractions. The performance recorded in the first month of the year indicates a positive trend for 2026 and reinforces the role of tourism as one of Rio's main engines of economic development.