Rio de Janeiro gained the approval of tourists this carnaval. According to a survey conducted by Riotur, Rio de Janeiro’s tourism agency, 98% of those interviewed reported that their visit to Rio exceeded or met their expectations. Among international visitors, 51% said their trips exceeded their expectations. The results of the 2009 survey highlight a positive assessment among interviewees in terms of urban transport services and tourist information, which obtained better ratings than in 2008. The survey was carried out on 21, 22 and 23 February.

In all, 1,141 people were interviewed at the Sambódromo, which hosts the samba school parades and is one of the planned venues for Rio de Janeiro’s bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Tourists were also interviewed at the Terreirão do Samba, a show venue close to the Sambódromo. Besides the samba school parades, Rio offers street carnival, which this year featured more than 400 street parties.

Overseas tourists gave an average rating of 8.5 to public transport services, and 8.4 to the tourist information item, compared to the 2008 survey (8.0 and 7.8 respectively). In terms of security, Rio’s rating also rose, from 7.2 to 7.7.

According to the survey, the age range of international visitors is diversified, with 53% in the 29 to 39 age range, and 78% have a university degree, and the majority stayed in hotels. In terms of their decision to visit to Sambódromo for the first time, 44% of overseas tourists considered information from friends a factor in their choice.

Also according to the survey, for international visitors August and September are among the best months to visit the city, the two months chosen for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.