Rio draws over a million tourists, transactions total $756 million
Carnival in Rio this year attracted 1,026 million tourists, whose transactions added up to some $756 million
Carnival in Rio this year attracted 1,026 million tourists, whose transactions added up to some $756 million, according to a preliminary report released Thursday (Feb. 11) by Riotur, Rio's Special Tourism Secretariat.
Hotel occupancy in the period reached an average 85 percent in the city, compared with last year's 83.79%, the data reveal. The highest averages were seen in the districts of Ipanema (92%) and Copacabana (88%). In Barra da Tijuca, the index reached 75%.
As for hostels and inns, figures from ACCARJ (Bed and Breakfast and Hostels Association of the State of Rio de Janeiro) show a 95% occupancy rate.
In Píer Mauá, 13 cruising ships brought to Rio de Janeiro 130 thousand visitors, against last year's 70 thousand. On Carnival Sunday alone (7), 11 ships docked at the pier simultaneously.
The three ad hoc tourist service stations placed at the sambadrome helped 617 visitors throughout the four days of parading. Agents served 19 thousand tourists. The most common requests concerned when parades would begin and end, where to eat, public washrooms, and the location of taxi and bus stops, and metro stations.
According to Rio de Janeiro Tourism Secretary Antonio Pedro Figueira de Mello, the measures aimed at attracting and welcoming tourists started before Carnival. “It was more than 30 days of hard work, including the period prior to Carnival, a series of shows and popular dances all across the city, and also the greatest stage, the sambadrome,” he said.
Translated by Fabrício Ferreira
Fonte: Rio draws over a million tourists, transactions total $756 million
