A survey carried out in partnership by Rio Tour and the Special Coordination of Sexual Diversity, from Rio de Janeiro City Hall, showed that LGBTs alone spent R$461 million during the city's carnival in 2014. Revenue in the capital of Rio de Janeiro during the period was of R$1,5 billion, that is, LGBTs represent 30,75%.
During the festivities, 84% of the tourists received by Rio were Brazilians, mainly from São Paulo and Minas Gerais. The majority of international visitors came from Canada, England and the United States.
“Considering that the average expenditure of heterosexual tourists is 198 reais, consumption is up to 270% higher among gays,” said economist Osiris Marques, highlighting that LGBT visitors from other countries spend up to R$538 per day.
Rio de Janeiro was elected twice as the best LGBT destination in the world. “The work showed that Rio is a consolidated destination among the gay public. Thirty percent of those interviewed had already been to Rio at least eleven times. On average, those who answered the questionnaire were in the city seven times”, defended Marques.
