The Marvelous City records historic growth in international visitors and consolidates its position as Brazil’s main gateway for tourism
Rio de Janeiro has just reached a historic milestone in international tourism. Between January and April 2025, the city welcomed 901,991 international tourists – a 51.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This is the highest number ever recorded for the first quarter, according to data from Embratur, presented during the Visit Brazil Summit held at the Museum of Tomorrow.
Argentina tops the list of countries of origin for tourists, followed by Chile, the United States, Uruguay and France. These figures confirm Rio de Janeiro’s strategic role as Brazil’s entry point for international tourism and highlight the effectiveness of integrated promotional efforts carried out by public and private institutions.
According to Roberta Werner, Executive Director of Visit Rio, the results reflect the ongoing work to position the city as a safe, well-structured, and welcoming tourist destination:
“This is a landmark moment for tourism in Rio. The record number of international visitors proves just how well-prepared the city is to welcome the world with excellence, hospitality and unique experiences. It is also the result of a collective strategy that combines international promotion, a calendar of major events, and the celebration of the city’s best attributes: its culture, its nature, and its people.”, Werner emphasises.
Brazil as a whole also broke records: 4.4 million international tourists arrived in the country during the first four months of the year – the highest volume since Embratur’s historical data series began in 1970. This total represents 64% of the annual target set by the National Tourism Plan and consolidates the impact of Brazil’s new international positioning in the sector.
Improved sense of safety enhances visitor experience
A survey conducted by the Fecomércio Institute of Research and Analysis (IFec RJ) revealed that 70.6% of international tourists and 65.9% of Brazilian tourists felt safer in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival 2025. The research also found that many visitors chose to extend their stay after the event, encouraged by their positive experience and the warm hospitality of the locals.
These findings reinforce the importance of maintaining a strong focus on integrated public policies and the promotion of large-scale events that boost tourism, strengthen the economy, and generate employment and income in the city.
Visit Rio is represented in Europe by Bossa Brazil, including the UK & Europe Press Office. For more information about Visit Rio, the city of Rio de Janeiro, or to enquire about press trips, please contact the Bossa Press Office.
Glauco Fuzinatto | Bossa Press | Visit Rio Official Reps in Europe
