Brazil's lodging supply up more than 70% in five years

Over the last five years, the lodging supply in Brazilian capitals soared by over 70%, going from 373,673 spots in 2011 to  639,352 last year. According to am official survey, the country is capable of lodging 2.4 million people at once.

The boost was driven by the efforts ahead of the so-called cycle of mega events, which included the Confederations Cup, in 2013, the World Cup, in 2014, and the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, last year.

“The mega events have definitely contributed not only to the increase in the county's hotel network, but also to the quality of the supply,” survey coordinator Roberto Saldanha told Agência Brasil.

As an example, he mentions Brasília, the country's capital and one of the city hosting the World Cup: “We can clearly see that the expansion took place [in Brasília] not as new establishments appeared, but after the number of beds increased.” Saldanha also stressed, however, the need for the country to preserve the achievements resulting from the events hosted. “The potential that's been created must be continued, and it can only happen if new and major events are held, supporting what's been accomplished in the past,” he concluded.

Ranking

The study shows that, from 2011 to 2016, the number of tourists in the country went from 5.4 million to 6.6 million, of whom 50% come from Latin America. The state of São Paulo ranks first for lodging, with 507,412 beds available, 21% of the national supply. The four states in the Southeast, where São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are located, account for 43.1% of the total of beds countrywide.

*Nielmar de Oliveira, a reported based in Rio, contributed to this article.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira