At Lisbon’s BTL fair, Rio de Janeiro signed a deal with TAP to promote tourism and celebrate the airline’s 60 years in Brazil.
The Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro, through its State Tourism Secretariat, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with TAP Air Portugal on Tuesday (25) during the Lisbon Tourism Exchange (BTL), one of the world’s major tourism fairs. The agreement strengthens the bond between Rio as a global destination and the Portuguese airline.
The partnership launches a joint international promotion plan marking TAP’s 60 years of operations in Brazil, whose first destination was Rio itself. Activities will include marketing campaigns, press trips, celebration events, and initiatives to improve air connectivity and tourism flow between Portugal and Brazil.
We are expanding connectivity, strengthening our international presence, and aiming to reach 2.5 million foreign tourists. Gustavo Tutuca, State Secretary of Tourism
According to Secretary Gustavo Tutuca, the agreement marks a new stage in relations with Europe. TAP’s CEO Luís Rodrigues said, “Together with Rio, we will promote actions celebrating this date and deepening tourism links between our countries.”
In January 2026, Rio welcomed 289,000 international tourists, a 20% growth compared to January 2025. Portuguese arrivals also rose to 5,036 visitors, up 11% year over year. After closing 2025 with 2.2 million international visitors, the state now targets 2.5 million in 2026.
The agreement involves no direct financial commitments but paves the way for coordinated promotional initiatives and structural cooperation between Portugal and Rio. The state’s presence at BTL reinforces an international expansion strategy aimed at generating jobs and prosperity across all regions.
Photo: Divulgação
