High Occupancy Rates Mark Rio Carnival 2026
Rio de Janeiro is experiencing a significant surge in tourism during its iconic Carnival 2026 celebrations, with hotel occupancy rates exceeding 91% across the city. A survey released on Thursday, February 12, by the Rio de Janeiro Municipal Hotel Association (HotéisRIO) and the Brazilian Association of the Hotel Industry of Rio de Janeiro (ABIH-RJ), indicates an average occupancy of 91.82% for the main Carnival period from February 14 to 17, 2026.
The highest demand is concentrated in key tourist areas. The Glória to Botafogo region leads with an impressive 96.91% occupancy, followed closely by Ipanema/Leblon at 96.19%, the Centro at 95.42%, and Leme/Copacabana at 94.63%. Even the interior of the state of Rio de Janeiro is seeing robust numbers, with an average occupancy rate of 80.71% for the same period, including popular beach towns like Arraial do Cabo (93.40%) and Angra dos Reis (90.30%).
Economic Boost and Visitor Influx
Carnival 2026 is poised to deliver a substantial economic boost to Rio de Janeiro. City authorities estimate the event will generate approximately R$5.9 billion (around US$1.1 billion) for the local economy. This projection accounts for spending by both residents and visitors on various services, including lodging, transportation, food, and event participation.
The city anticipates welcoming around 8 million people, encompassing local residents, domestic tourists, and international visitors, to its celebrations. Nationwide, Brazil expects over 65 million revelers to partake in Carnival festivities across the country in 2026, marking a 22% increase compared to the previous year. International interest in Rio Carnival is particularly strong, with a 9% growth in airline ticket purchases from abroad specifically for Rio de Janeiro between February 13 and 18.
Official Outlook and Continued Festivities
Alfredo Lopes, president of HotéisRIO, emphasized the significance of Carnival as Rio de Janeiro's primary festival, noting that 'longer stays result in full hotels and strong results for the tourism sector - bars, restaurants, and shopping malls - benefiting the city's revenue.' He also expressed an expectation to surpass last year's figures, with growth in international tourists contributing to this goal. José Domingo Bouzon, president of ABIH-RJ, highlighted the widespread demand from tourists across the state.
The festivities are set to continue beyond the main holiday. For the weekend of February 20-21, when the champion samba schools parade, the average hotel occupancy rate in the capital is still expected to be high, at 85.13%. The entire Carnival period, including pre-Carnival events that began on January 17 and extend to the official closing on February 22, underscores the event's prolonged impact on the city's vibrant tourism and cultural landscape.
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