Rio de Janeiro recorded a historic peak in international tourism for January 2026, welcoming 289,255 foreign visitors, a 17% increase from the previous year.
In January 2026, Rio de Janeiro experienced its highest number of international tourists to date, receiving a total of 289,255 visitors from abroad. This figure represents a significant increase of 17% compared to January 2025, when around 240,151 foreign tourists visited the city. The announcement was made by Marcelo Freixo, the president of Embratur, who highlighted that this surge is a result of effective promotional strategies and enhanced international flight connectivity.
Freixo elaborated that the growth in tourism is indicative of Rio de Janeiro's rising status as a competitive travel destination globally. The city's strategic marketing efforts have enhanced its appeal, further supported by expanded international flight options. With the Carnival season approaching, this influx sets a promising backdrop for the tourist industry, showcasing Rio's ability to attract visitors from diverse international markets.
Argentina remains the leading source of tourists for Rio de Janeiro, with visitor numbers skyrocketing from 100,050 in January 2025 to 138,951 in January 2026, marking an impressive 38.8% increase. This trend underscores the importance of Argentine travelers to the local tourism economy, and it also highlights the effectiveness of ongoing initiatives to attract South American tourists, particularly in the lead-up to major events like Carnival.
