As well as being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Rio de Janeiro is also considered one of the safest and best prepared to host major international events.
And it’s not just today, 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 1990s, with the Pan American Games, international conferences such as the Summit (a meeting of heads of state from the countries of Latin America, the Caribbean and the European Union) and Eco 92, the state has stood out and accumulated experience in hosting events of all types and sizes, with security, organization and peace of mind.
The visit of Pope Francis, during World Youth Day 2013, for example, brought together more than 3.2 million faithful in a vigil on Copacabana beach.
And the state hasn’t 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 for visitors from all over the world.
More recently, singer Madonna gave the biggest concert of her life to celebrate her 40th anniversary on the sands of Copacabana. More than 1 million fans flocked to the beachfront, which raised the city’s hotel occupancy rate to 99% and caused demand for airline tickets to soar by 27%.
Rock in Rio, on the other hand, already on the first weekend of September, increased the search for accommodation by 37% and projected record passenger traffic, estimated at 225,000 tourists using the state bus station.
Rio de Janeiro’s success in hosting major events is strongly linked to the use of advanced security technologies. The Military Police has implemented almost 13,000 portable cameras in its officers’ uniforms, as well as a facial recognition program which, since its introduction on New Year’s Eve 2023, has resulted in more than 330 arrests. In addition, 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 monitor events closely. These efforts have resulted in low incident rates, raising the confidence of organizers and international visitors in Rio de Janeiro’s ability to offer 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.
Also this year, the state has seen a significant increase in the number of international tourists, with 868,370 foreign visitors from January to July, a 25% increase on the previous year. The growth in tourist activity in the state has been twice the national average, demonstrating the success of the destination’s promotion strategies.
Recently, the city has invested heavily in infrastructure and welcoming actions to improve the experience of visitors arriving for these events. Among these initiatives are the G20 Lounge and the #tônoRio Tourist Support Space, both of which aim to offer 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 natural, cultural and gastronomic beauties of the state. In addition, a bilingual team is at tourists’ disposal to provide detailed information on itineraries, accommodation options and tips on local attractions. The aim is to encourage visits to lesser-known destinations that are equally rich in culture and nature, distributing the flow of tourists evenly throughout the state.
Complementing this action, the #tônoRio Tourist Support Space, located at the 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 information materials, such as maps and tourist guides. In addition, the place also values local culture, exhibiting and selling pieces by artisans registered with the Rio de Janeiro State Handicrafts Program, offering tourists the opportunity to get to know and buy authentic regional products. During Rock in Rio, one of the biggest music festivals in the world, the space becomes even more important, being an essential point of support for the thousands of visitors who come to the city.
With these actions, Rio de Janeiro is positioning itself as a destination globally recognized for its ability to host major events, offering a complete infrastructure, security and a high-level welcoming experience.
Credits: State Government
