Ronnie Costa, president of Riotur: "The city of Rio has a natural vocation for tourism"

The city is always present at tourism business fairs, including the 50th ABAV Expo, 27th Fit América Latina and IFTM Paris. 

From the term "wonderful city" Rio has gained another popular title "unique".

From Biscoito Globo, to iced mate tea - popular on Rio's beaches, the drums at the samba school, the dancers dancing in their costumes full of sparkles, feathers and sequins. Rio stops, impacts and attracts everyone's eyes through the fairs it exhibits. 

Costa came from the north zone, without sea, but with a large flow of commerce, his eyes shine when he talks about his city, but he keeps secrets about the news in the city's annual calendar of events.

Check out what the president of Riotur said:

Do you believe that having worked at the environment department contributed to sustainable tourism in your management at Riotur?

Ronnie Costa: Sustainability is an agenda defended by the city hall as a whole, and without a doubt my time at the Municipal Environment Secretariat contributes to a more sensitive look at the topic. Today, Riotur carries out actions in partnership with public bodies such as Comlurb to selectively collect materials at major events, and conditions the release of events on the presentation and execution of projects with low environmental impact. 

Paris is the most visited city in the world, and this has made France the number one country for tourists. Rio de Janeiro is the most visited city in Brazil by foreigners, but it is competing for first place in South America with Buenos Aires. How to maintain the title of Wonderful City?

Ronnie Costa: The city of Rio has a natural vocation for tourism, and the administration of Mayor Eduardo Paes helped restore the credibility of producers of major events. Rio is once again hosting large-scale events such as the “Show of the Century”, in Copacabana, Rio2C, WebSummit, among others, and has a robust calendar of events for 2024.

What is it like to promote a city with a unique, exclusive culture, but with a reputation for being dangerous? How does your management manage tourist safety?

Ronnie Costa: Rio has security problems similar to those of other large cities in the world, but the city hall has done great work in partnership with the State Government and the Federal Government to act on the issue. 

In December there is New Year's Eve, January/February Carnival, crowded beaches, accumulated rubbish. Do you think it is necessary to educate or raise awareness among tourists? How do you see this tourism that exploits photos, videos and disrespect for the destination?

Ronnie Costa: Events with a large concentration of people always generate some negative actions, but the majority of tourists show great affection for Rio. The city in turn works to provide tourists with a positive and unifying experience. 

Do you believe that tourists consume everything that is created as attractions? What are your bets for tourism innovation within Rio?

Ronnie Costa: Rio is culturally rich, we have options for all audiences. Our focus is always on promoting the city, and helping tourists to be surprised and leave Rio wanting to return. We are just a few months away from New Year's Eve, the biggest open-air spectacle on the planet, and we are working to innovate and exceed expectations. Carnival 2024 will be no different. We will have many surprises ahead!

You have a passionate team, which works hard and dedicatedly and is therefore the manager whose eyes shine when talking about Rio. Does the destination sell more at fairs abroad or in Brazil? 

Ronnie Costa: Rio de Janeiro is a unique city, here we can bring together the most beautiful natural landscapes, a different cuisine and welcoming, party-loving people. Rio is one of the most sought after destinations for foreigners and nationals. Our participation in fairs always results in the promotion of the city in Brazil and abroad. 

What is the next campaign for the wonderful city?

Ronnie Costa: We are committed and working tirelessly for New Year's Eve and Carnival 2024, events that are the hallmark of Rio de Janeiro and allow the world to see that here we host the biggest parties on the planet. 

ABAV Expo chose Rio for its 50th anniversary, how has Riotur worked with travel agents?

Ronnie Costa: Travel agents are essential for promoting the city, Riotur recognizes this importance and establishes a constant partnership so that the city welcomes more and more tourists. And always be among the best tourist destinations in the world.

What does tourism mean for the Rio economy?

Ronnie Costa: Riotur is the public company that sells the best city on the planet, which is Rio de Janeiro. Tourism has a huge impact on the city, economically speaking, tourism accounts for almost 5% of total revenue from ISS services, which is the tax that the city hall collects. 

We are increasingly trying to qualify the city, joining forces with governments and the private sector so that we can continue to be the city that best welcomes people and that we can make our visitors feel at home. 

Interview and photo: Mary de Aquino.