The summer of 2025 is heating up for Rio de Janeiro’s hotel sector. With full beaches, tourists roaming the city and an intense program of events, hotels are expecting one of the busiest summers in recent years. At the Rio Othon Palace, one of the main hotels in Copacabana, the occupancy rate for January is already close to 90%. The trend is for this rate to continue throughout February and March, driven by the heat, extended vacations and the late Carnival, which this year will only be at the beginning of March.
“Carnival happening a little later has had a positive effect on tourism. We’ve seen strong demand throughout the summer, and February should maintain this high occupancy,” says Jorge Chaves, Commercial and Operations Director of the Othon chain.
The sector’s good performance at the start of the year had already been anticipated by the success of New Year’s Eve. The Othon recorded one of the best occupancy rates in history, reaching almost 100%. The majority of guests were Brazilian (50%), but Latin American tourists also made a significant presence, accounting for 25% of the total. The city, known worldwide for its New Year’s Eve celebrations and the Copacabana fireworks display, continues to be consolidated as one of the most desirable tourist destinations at this time of year.
Carnival boosts bookings and should attract tourists until March
Another factor reinforcing the hotel sector’s optimism is the significant increase in demand for accommodation for Carnival. With the parades at the Sambódromo extended to six days and an intense calendar of street parades, hotels are already seeing an increase in bookings. According to Chaves, the current volume of bookings for Carnival already exceeds last year’s figures for the same period, indicating an even bigger party in 2025.
“It’s still summer, and the favorable climate combined with the energy of Carnival makes Rio an even more attractive destination. We’re ready to welcome a large number of revellers,” he said.
In addition to the reinforced infrastructure to cater for tourists arriving for the festivities, the hotels are also investing in different experiences for those looking for comfort and entertainment during the period. In the case of the Rio Othon Palace, one of the highlights of the special Carnival program will be the hotel’s traditional Carnival feijoada, scheduled for March 1st. The event, which combines gastronomy and samba, will feature the participation of a samba school, offering guests an authentic Carnival experience with a privileged view of Copacabana beach.
Rio among the most searched destinations in the world
The good momentum of Rio’s tourism is also reflected in the global rankings of the most sought-after destinations. According to a survey by Booking.com, Rio de Janeiro is among the 10 most sought-after destinations in the world this summer, reinforcing the city’s strength as an international tourist hub.
With its iconic beaches, cultural attractions, vibrant nightlife and the title of the world’s biggest Carnival, Rio continues to attract visitors of different profiles, from Brazilians to foreigners. “We are confident that this summer will be one of the busiest in recent years, reflecting the upturn in tourism and the attractiveness of Rio de Janeiro as a global destination,” says Chaves.
With hot bookings and a Carnival that promises to boost the local economy even more, the summer of 2025 is already shaping up to be one of the most promising for tourism in Rio.
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