Maranhão's Carnival is becoming one of the main tourist destinations in Brazil, with significant increases in visitor flow and national attractions that draw crowds. According to data from the Maranhão State Tourism Secretary and the Maranhão Tourism Observatory, hotel occupancy in São Luís, the epicenter of the festivities, has reached 72.14% and is projected to hit 100% during the holiday. This surge is attributed to rising demand and a well-distributed event schedule across the official circuits.

Expectations for Carnival 2026 highlight further growth, with Motiva Aeroportos, the manager of São Luís Airport, predicting around 37,000 passengers will use the terminal—a 31.5% increase from the previous year. Additionally, there are forecasts for 198 landings and takeoffs at the airport, marking a 25.3% rise compared to Carnival in 2025. This upward trend showcases the increasing interest in Maranhão as a tourist destination, underlining its potential for significant economic impact through tourism.

In 2025, the Maranhão Carnival attracted over 4.5 million participants over five days, showcasing the festival's appeal and importance in boosting the local economy. The continuing growth in hotel occupancy and airport traffic not only provides benefits to the local hospitality industry but also highlights the region's capacity to host large-scale events, potentially paving the way for greater investment and development in the tourism sector.