Rio de Janeiro, in addition to being one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world, is considered one of the safest and most prepared to host the biggest international events.
And this is not new, Rio’s vocation is already natural. Every year, major festivals such as Carnival and New Year’s Eve receive millions of tourists and are part of the popular imagination around the world.
Since the 90s, with the holding of the Pan American Games, through International Conferences such as the Summit (meeting of heads of state from countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and the European Union) and Eco 92, the State has been standing out and accumulating experience to host events of all types and sizes, with safety, organization and tranquility.
Pope Francis’ visit during World Youth Day 2013, for example, brought together more than 3.2 million faithful in vigil on Copacabana beach.
And the State has not stopped reinventing itself. Increasingly prepared, it hosted the 2014 World Cup games (including the Grand Final) and the 2016 Olympic Games, the biggest sporting events on the planet, which left unforgettable memories in visitors from all over the world.
More recently, singer Madonna performed the biggest show of her life to celebrate her 40-year career on the sands of Copacabana. More than 1 million fans came to the waterfront, which increased the city’s hotel occupancy to 99% and increased demand for air tickets by 27%.
Rock in Rio, in turn, in the first weekend of September, increased searches for accommodation by 37% and projected a record movement of passengers, estimated at 225 thousand tourists using the state’s bus station.
Rio de Janeiro’s success in hosting major events is strongly linked to the use of advanced security technologies. The Military Police implemented almost 13,000 portable cameras on its officers’ uniforms, in addition to a facial recognition program that, since its introduction on New Year’s Eve 2023, has already resulted in more than 330 arrests. Furthermore, the “190 Integrated” system allows real-time monitoring of images captured by more than 230,000 cameras spread across the city, ensuring controlled environments during massive events.
The Integrated Command and Control Center (CICC) acts as a technological hub that coordinates security operations, using drones, urban cameras and command cars equipped to closely monitor events. These efforts resulted in low incident rates, increasing the confidence of organizers and international visitors in Rio de Janeiro’s ability to provide a safe environment.
With each major event, Rio de Janeiro reinforces its relevance in global tourism. The estimated economic impact of Rock in Rio in 2024, for example, exceeds R$2 billion, and Carnival, held at the beginning of the year, generated around R$5 billion, attracting more than 8 million revelers.
Furthermore, this year, the state recorded significant growth in the number of international tourists, with 868,370 foreign visitors from January to July, an increase of 25% compared to the previous year. The growth of tourist activities in the state has been twice as high as the national average, demonstrating the success of the destination’s promotion strategies.
Recently, the city has invested heavily in infrastructure and reception actions to improve the experience of visitors arriving for these events. Among these initiatives, the G20 Lounge and the #tônoRio Tourist Support Space stand out, both with the aim of offering information, support and services that facilitate the stay and promote tourism throughout the state.
The G20 Lounge, located at Tom Jobim International Airport (Galeão), was created as an interactive showcase that highlights the tourist diversity of the 12 regions of the state of Rio de Janeiro. With a modern structure, the space has screens and totems that display audiovisual content, promoting the state’s natural, cultural and gastronomic beauty. In addition, a bilingual team is available to tourists to provide detailed information about itineraries, accommodation options and tips on local attractions. The objective is to encourage visits to lesser-known destinations, but equally rich in culture and nature, distributing the flow of tourists evenly throughout the state. The G20 Lounge will be in operation until the end of November, coinciding with important international events, such as diplomatic meetings and major festivals, reinforcing Rio’s commitment to hospitality and excellence in welcoming its visitors.
Complementing this action, the #tônoRio Tourist Support Space, located at Rio Bus Station, offers a strategic point of assistance for those arriving in the city by land. With 52 square meters, it was designed to offer personalized service, with bilingual receptionists available to answer questions, suggest itineraries and provide informative materials, such as maps and tourist guides. Furthermore, the place also values local culture, exhibiting and selling pieces from artisans registered with the Rio de Janeiro State Crafts Program, offering tourists the opportunity to discover and purchase authentic regional products. During Rock in Rio, one of the biggest music festivals in the world, the space gains even more relevance, being an essential support point for the thousands of visitors who arrive in the city.
With these actions, the Rio de Janeiro is positioned as a destination globally recognized for its ability to host major events, offering complete infrastructure, security and a high-level reception experience.
The post Rio de Janeiro consolidates itself as a global destination for major events appeared first on CNN Brasil V&G.
Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
