This number represents a 43.7% increase compared to 2024
Rio de Janeiro ended 2025 with the best international tourism performance in its history. Throughout the year, the state received 2,196,443 visitors, a number never before achieved and representing a 43.7% increase compared to 2024, when 1,528,133 foreigners were registered. Compared to 2019 (pre-pandemic), the result is even more impressive: an increase of 75% (1,252,267).
Tourism is one of the major drivers of development. This historic record shows that Rio de Janeiro has regained its rightful place on the international stage, thanks to responsible public policies, planning, and partnerships that generate jobs, income, and opportunities, said Governor Cláudio Castro.
In December alone, one of the strongest periods in the tourist calendar due to New Year’s Eve and the holidays, 223,515 foreigners arrived in the state, an increase of 32% compared to the same month in 2024.
The figures also highlight the strength and diversity of the source markets. Argentina maintained its absolute leadership, with 787,229 visitors throughout the year, followed by Chile (359,705) and the United States (214,795), reinforcing the importance of the North American market. Uruguay (100,476) and France (86,806) complete the “Top 5.”
According to the Secretary of State for Tourism, Gustavo Tutuca, the result is the fruit of a continuous strategy of international promotion, combined with the strengthening of infrastructure and connectivity.
This record did not happen by chance. It is the result of work that began back in 2023, when we structured the promotion of Rio de Janeiro in the international market. In 2025 alone, we visited more than 20 cities. The resumption of Galeão as an international hub was also fundamental, as were investments in professional training and infrastructure in the 12 tourist regions. Tourists arrive in the capital, but are increasingly connecting with the interior of the state,” said Tutuca.
International promotion
Throughout 2025, the State Government intensified promotional activities abroad, participated in international fairs, held roadshows, trained travel agents and tour operators, and expanded partnerships with airlines, specialized media, and major global events. The strategy focuses not only on increasing the flow of visitors, but also on extending their length of stay and distributing the benefits of tourism throughout the state of Rio de Janeiro.
With its best results in three decades, Rio de Janeiro ends 2025 repositioned at the forefront of international tourism and projects a new cycle of sustainable growth, consolidating the sector as one of the engines of the state economy.
