Rio de Janeiro will host Routes Americas 2026, an event dedicated to aviation

Rio de Janeiro is preparing to host one of the world's largest aviation events. On Thursday (12/12), the city was officially chosen as the host city for Routes Americas 2026, with RIOgaleão as the host airport. The confirmation was made in partnership with the City of Rio, through Invest.Rio and the Secretariat of Urban and Economic Development, and with the support of Visit Rio.

– We know that rebuilding has not been easy, but working together with the Federal Government and Galeão itself, we have seen great results. Rio is once again successfully hosting the world’s most important events. And we know how to do this well. We have complete infrastructure and unique hospitality. So, Routes will certainly be very successful here, bringing new routes and airlines to the city – stated Mayor Eduardo Paes.

Routes Americas is one of the most important events in the industry, bringing together more than 70 airlines and 370 airports, as well as global aviation leaders and tourism authorities. Over three days, conferences, business roundtables and networking sessions will be held, connecting decision-makers responsible for planning new routes and air services.

It is estimated that 82% of participants will come from outside Brazil, from strategic markets for Rio de Janeiro: 54% from the Americas, 28% from Europe and 14% from the Asia-Pacific region.

– Rio has a proven track record of hosting events of global significance, such as the 2016 Olympics and, more recently, the G20 Leaders’ Summit. RoutesAmericas will support the city’s goal of attracting even more international events, promoting tourism and securing investment through its role in strengthening air connectivity – said Steven Small, Director of Routes.

According to a study by the World Travel and Tourism Council, the travel and tourism sector in Brazil is expected to contribute US$169,3 billion to the country's GDP in 2024, an increase of 9,5% compared to 2019. By 2034, this contribution is expected to reach US$194,6 billion.

– RIOgaleão has been participating in Routes events for 10 years and we are delighted that Rio de Janeiro will be the host city. As the host airport, it will be a unique opportunity to present Rio de Janeiro as a destination to airline delegates from around the world. Rio International Airport is one of the main gateways for tourism in Brazil and offers countless growth opportunities for our airline partners – highlighted RIOgaleão President Alexandre Monteiro.

 

Opportunity for Rio de Janeiro

The event will be a global showcase for Rio de Janeiro, allowing more people to learn about the city’s potential as a tourist and business destination. The program will include a VIP program for 20 airlines, networking events, an awards ceremony and tourism activities.

– The arrival of Routes Americas 2026 shows that the city of Rio de Janeiro has established itself as a city with the capacity to host major events, whether for business, leisure or culture. Furthermore, it consolidates Rio as a good city to invest in and live in – highlighted the acting municipal secretary of Urban and Economic Development, Thiago Dias.

The president of Invest.Rio, Alexandre Vermeulen, also commented on the importance of attracting an event like Routes Americas to the city.

 – This is another opportunity to position Rio as a strategic hub not only for tourism, but also for business. We have a vocation in strategic sectors such as energy, oil and gas, technology, creative economy, tourism and others. This event allows us to show the world the city’s potential as an air hub and a complete destination for investment. We are very interested in having more air routes to Rio de Janeiro, not only as a tourist destination but also for business – said the president of Invest.Rio.

 

Next Steps

Before hosting the event, RIOgaleão will participate in the 2025 edition, which will take place in the Bahamas in February, where it will present Rio de Janeiro as the next host of Routes Americas 2026.

– With this achievement, Rio de Janeiro reaffirms its vocation to host major events and positions itself as one of the main tourism and business hubs in Latin America. The aviation sector plays an essential role in promoting the destination and strengthening the local economy. The acquisition of RoutesAmericas reflects our commitment to expanding Rio de Janeiro’s air connectivity, strengthening the business environment for the Visit Rio Convention Bureau. With a more robust air network, we will have even greater capacity to attract investments and position Rio on the route of the main international events – Visit Rio CEO, Carlos Werneck.

Category:

• City
• Urban and Economic Development
• Invest.Rio
• News

December 12, 2024

Appointments: aviation City Urban and Economic Development RIOgaleão Routes Americas 2026