An aerial view of an overcast Leblon Beach in Rio de Janeiro.
Photographer: Mario Tama/Getty Images South AmericaEconomy
Looking to Miami, Rio Markets Itself as a Tropical Silicon Valley
Brazil’s second-largest city is courting digital nomads and tech bros as it faces a shrinking population.
Millions of visitors flock to Rio de Janeiro each year for its beaches, mesmerizing music and parties. Now, as the city faces population loss, officials are trying to parlay those attractions to establish Rio as a regional tech hub.
Since returning to office in 2021, Mayor Eduardo Paes, who is best known for bringing the Summer Olympics to Rio, has been trying to sell developers, cryptocurrency traders and digital nomads on the appeal of Brazil’s postcard-perfect city.