Rio de Janeiro welcomed 289,255 international tourists in January 2026 — a 17% jump over 2025’s record — and is now targeting 2.5 million arrivals this year.
Rio de Janeiro is off to a flying start in 2026, building on the momentum that made 2025 the best year in the state’s international tourism history. After recording 2,196,443 foreign visitors last year, Rio registered 289,255 arrivals in January alone — a 17% increase compared to the 240,151 visitors who came in the same month of 2025.
Argentina leads, but growth spans the globe
Argentina remains the top source market by a wide margin. Argentine arrivals jumped from 100,050 to 138,951 in January — a remarkable 38.8% increase. Chile contributed 50,718 tourists (+3.69%) and Uruguay sent 10,461 visitors (+1.06%).
Growth, however, extends well beyond South America. The United States saw a 24.5% rise, climbing from 17,875 to 23,703 tourists. France sent 6,571 visitors in January, up 19.1% compared to the same period in 2025.
A 2.5-million target and a push into Europe
Backed by these opening figures, the State Government has set a target of 2.5 million international tourists in 2026 — roughly 15% growth over last year’s record volume. Governor Cláudio Castro credited the results to a deliberate policy of treating tourism as a strategic priority.
Tourism is one of the main engines of our economy. We have invested in international promotion, in restoring air connectivity, and in security to ensure that Rio de Janeiro returns to the shelf of the world’s great destinations. January’s results show we are on the right track and that 2026 can be even better than 2025. — Cláudio Castro, Governor of Rio de Janeiro
The State Tourism Secretariat’s international promotion strategy keeps Rio present at the world’s leading travel fairs. Early in the year, the state exhibited at Fitur in Madrid. This week, Secretary Gustavo Tutuca is in Lisbon for BTL (Bolsa de Turismo de Lisboa), holding meetings with tour operators, airlines, investors, and European travel media.
Starting the year with 17% growth on top of an already record-breaking base shows that Rio de Janeiro has reached a new level in international tourism. We are expanding markets, strengthening air connectivity, and promoting the state in a structured way abroad. Our goal is to reach 2.5 million international tourists in 2026, consolidating this cycle of sustainable growth that generates jobs, income, and development across all regions. — Gustavo Tutuca, Secretary of State for Tourism of Rio de Janeiro
With summer in full swing and a packed events calendar throughout the year, Rio de Janeiro maintains its role as Brazil’s main gateway for international tourism and sets its sights on yet another record-breaking cycle.
Photo: Tomaz Silva – Agência Brasil
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