A survey by the Union of Means of Accommodation of the City of Rio de Janeiro (HotelsRIO) indicates that the city’s hotel chain already has 78% of confirmed reservations for New Year’s Eve.
This number already surpasses the 74% of occupancy that the sector had in mid-December 2019, and the 58% registered in the same period last year for the same date.
According to the president of HoteisRIO, Alfredo Lopes, the main reasons for this heating in the domestic tourism sector are the high dollar, the limited availability of international flights and the insecurity with the increase in cases of covid-19 in Europe.
“We will reach 100% in most hotels, the numbers point to that. We are more than prepared in terms of protocols to operate with full occupancy with complete safety for our guests, now with a complete and reinforced vaccination schedule. The advance of vaccination in the city of Rio de Janeiro also contributes”, says Alfredo Lopes.
In the capital’s hotel network, the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood leads the demand, with 86% of rooms already sold for that date. This year’s fireworks display in the neighborhood has already been confirmed, and the organization is in its final stages, guarantees Alfredo Lopes.
The southern districts of Flamengo and Botafogo occupy second place in the ranking of the most sought after (82%), followed by Copacabana/Leme (75%) and Ipanema/Leblon and Centro (73%).
This year’s tourist profile also reflects the strengthening of the domestic tourism market. According to Lopes, most reservations for New Year’s Eve are for residents of the state of São Paulo, interior and capital, followed by Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo and Goiânia. Most of the audience is made up of families.
Seasonal property rental
According to the Regional Council of Realtors of Rio de Janeiro (Creci-RJ), the occupation of seasonal properties for New Year’s Eve, in the capital of Rio de Janeiro, has reached 60% so far. This index is already 40% higher than last year for the same date.
Despite the increase, the number remains lower than the pre-pandemic period. Before 2020, at this time of year, the occupancy would be 80% of these properties. However, the sector is optimistic and is betting that by New Year’s Eve 90% of these houses and apartments will be rented.
According to the survey, the vast majority of guests looking for seasonal properties are Brazilian families, more specifically from the Southeast, South and Northeast.
The pandemic stimulated domestic tourism and this trend remains for the turn of the year, with around 80% of Brazilian tourists and 20% of foreigners. People are still wary of making large displacements because of the pandemic, according to the council.
The South Zone continues as the most popular region for those who want to spend New Year’s Eve in the capital. Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon lead the ranking. Also according to CRECI, the average price in the city is 20% higher.
Prices in Copacabana vary between R$380 and R$550 for studios and one-bedroom apartments. For two- and three-bedroom apartments, daily rates start at R$600 and exceed R$850.
In the neighborhoods of Ipanema and Leblon, for studios and one-bedroom properties, prices start at R$400 and go up to R$600. For apartments from two bedrooms, prices start at R$680, and there is no maximum value.
For CRECI, however, it is important to highlight the role and growth of Barra da Tijuca in the segment after the realization of major events in the city, such as Rock in Rio and sports competitions. The neighborhood is now on the radar of tourists looking to spend a few days in the capital. Prices range from R$350 to R$900.
*under the supervision of Helena Vieira
Reference: CNN Brasil
