“IF I HAD TO DESCRIBE RIO to someone who’s never been here, I’d call it the Cidade Maravilhosa. You’ll find a mix of natural beauty, culture, history, charm, joy, freedom, and fun here. Our unique vibe sets us apart from anywhere else, even within Brazil. Everyone loves the carioca style: the sway, the fashion, the flip-flops, heading to the bar straight from the beach in your bikini or shorts. Here, everyone mingles, no matter their name or background.”
“IN MOST CITIES, the wealthier classes live in the hills. In Zona Sul, it’s the favelas on the mountainsides. There’s no isolated outskirts, no divide between the rich and the poor. This mix creates our funk, football, and samba. These interactions are what give us our swing. That’s why we’re a city without prejudice.”
“OUR BIGGEST ASSET IS FREEDOM. We attract all kinds of people. We’re known for being welcoming to the LGBTQIA+ community, who feel truly free here. Cariocas are incredibly hospitable. Any tourist, local or international, will tell you that. It’s something we see in ourselves through others’ eyes. We’ve got that special ‘borogodó’ – and we’re proud of it.”
“IT’S A HUGE RESPONSIBILITY to lead tourism in such a special city. It’s a pleasure and a challenge. Rio is naturally wonderful, but also distant. We get many visitors from South America, but we want to attract more from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. It’s a competitive market requiring big investments.”
“I KEPT MADONNA’S VISIT A SECRET for three years. The impact was huge. Her historic Copacabana show put us back on the global map, reviving the image we want to present. It was spectacular. We’re a grand stage for entertainment and major events like Rock in Rio, Websummit, and Rio Innovation Week. Plus, our food scene is thriving, with young talent starting to make international waves. Our tourism potential goes beyond natural wonders.”
“THE VIOLENCE STATISTICS…