1 - As President of InvestRio, you have a privileged view of the city’s investment flows. What is changing today in Rio de Janeiro’s positioning that is capturing the attention of international investors in hospitality, tourism and tourism-related real estate developments?

Rio de Janeiro has undergone an important repositioning. Today, the city is back on the global radar not only because it combines unique assets — such as landscape, culture, lifestyle and a strong tourism vocation — but also because it is making significant investments in tourism, hospitality and new air routes.

We have seen a strong rebound in international tourism, supported by the recovery of RIOgaleão Airport, as well as the hosting of major global events, the growth of the creative economy and meaningful progress in urban revitalization projects.

Investors now recognize that Rio is no longer just an iconic destination — it has become a business platform with concrete opportunities.

2 - Which areas or development lines do you see as strategic priorities for the next wave of investment in hospitality and mixed-use projects across the city?

The next wave of investment in Rio is driven primarily by three strategic fronts.

The first is experience-driven hospitality, focused on lifestyle, luxury tourism and sustainability. Rio holds enormous potential for boutique hotels, branded residences and developments that connect with the city’s surroundings and the Carioca way of life. We are already seeing results from groundwork laid years ago — including the return of brands such as Sofitel Ipanema and the arrival of luxury operator Four Seasons in the city.

The second is integrated urban revitalization, particularly in areas with strong tourism and cultural appeal, such as Downtown, the Port Zone and neighborhoods with deep local identity. Mixed-use projects — combining hospitality, residential, retail and cultural components — such as Reviver Centro, make tremendous sense and are already delivering visible results.

Finally, there is a clear opportunity in projects aligned with the ESG agenda, prioritizing mobility, public spaces, energy efficiency and positive community impact.

3 - Looking ahead to the coming years, what is your vision for Rio de Janeiro as a global tourism and investment destination — and what role should private capital play in shaping that transformation?

Our vision is for Rio to consolidate itself as one of the world’s great capitals of tourism, innovation and lifestyle — a city capable of attracting visitors, talent and investment in an integrated way.

Private capital plays a central role in this transformation. It enables innovative projects, accelerates urban revitalization and introduces new business models to the city. The public sector, in turn, acts as a facilitator — creating a favorable environment, reducing bureaucracy and providing security for investors.

When public and private sectors move forward together, the result is a more vibrant, more inclusive and more globally competitive city.

4 - What message would you like to share with investors and industry leaders who will be joining SAHIC 2026 in Rio?

The message is clear: Rio de Janeiro is ready to welcome major hotel brands and investments at large. We are talking about a global city, with incomparable assets, a market undergoing transformation and an increasingly mature ecosystem for hospitality, tourism and real estate projects.

SAHIC 2026 in Rio symbolizes precisely this new moment — one of confidence, dialogue and long-term vision.

Invest.Rio stands ready to build bridges, support projects and transform strong ideas into real investments. Rio is not only an extraordinary place to visit — it is also a place to do business.