SAHIC 2026 Returns to Rio and Projects US$ 1.6 Billion in Investments
SAHIC Latin America & The Caribbean has officially confirmed that its 20th edition will take place in Rio de Janeiro from March 22 to 24, 2026, setting the stage for what is expected to be a historic event for the tourism and hospitality investment sector in the region. The announcement was made during a press conference on June 18, with the presence of SAHIC CEO Arturo García Rosa, Rio’s Vice Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere, and Invest.Rio President Sidney Levy.
Described by García Rosa as “a milestone,” the decision to return to Rio de Janeiro underlines the city’s strategic importance as a hub for business, innovation, and global tourism opportunities. The CEO emphasized that, while internationally recognized, Rio also offers underexplored investment potential, making it the ideal venue for this landmark edition.
The 2026 event is expected to generate more than US$ 1.6 billion in investments, surpassing pre-pandemic records and confirming the region’s post-COVID recovery and expansion. According to García Rosa, deals initiated during SAHIC 2025 are already in advanced stages and will likely be announced in Rio, reinforcing the forum’s role as a catalyst for high-impact projects.
One key highlight of the announcement was the emergence of a new investor profile. SAHIC 2025 attracted over 400 participants from 15 countries, many of whom represent foreign funds and international hotel chains exploring Brazil for the first time. Interest is particularly strong in luxury resorts, branded residences, and high-end hospitality developments, marking a shift from a historically domestically driven market to one that is increasingly global.
Beyond traditional investments, García Rosa pointed to untapped opportunities in theme parks and regional destinations with high domestic demand but low international exposure. “There are entire regions in Brazil with thriving internal tourism that remain invisible globally. That’s a huge opportunity for international investors,” he said.
The agenda for SAHIC 2026 will be crafted by an international planning committee that includes industry leaders like Abel Castro (Accor), Diogo Canteras, and Ricardo Mader, with the first program draft expected in August 2025. Positioned as a continental platform, the event will not only highlight Brazil’s appeal but also serve as a regional showcase for Latin America and the Caribbean, reinforcing Rio’s growing stature as a center for transformative hospitality ventures.
