Municipality presents tourist, cultural and infrastructure projects at MIPIM 2026, in Cannes, to attract investors and strengthen the economy beyond oil royalties
Maricá City Council participates in MIPIM 2026, the largest real estate fair in the world, held from March 9th to 13th, in Cannes. The municipality presents strategic projects to the international public that highlight the tourist and economic potential, in addition to reinforcing the strategy of preparing the city for the post-oil royalty era.
The main highlight is the MARAEY tourist complex, a MIPIM Awards finalist in the “Best New Mega-Enterprise” category. The project is among the four best mega-projects in the world and the results will be announced on March 12th, at the Palais des Festivals.
“Maricá comes to MIPIM to show project, identity and future. We are building tomorrow now. The world is looking at cities that can grow with sustainability and innovation, and that is exactly what we are doing here”, said the mayor of Maricá, Washington Quaquá.
Recognized by UN Tourism as a reference in sustainable tourism development, MARAEY will be implemented in an area of 840 hectares, with only 6.6% of building occupancy and preservation of most of the natural territory. The project envisages luxury hotels, residences, research centers, sports, education and the creation of around 18 thousand jobs during construction.
For the president of the Maricá Development Company (Codemar), Celso Pansera, the city’s presence at the event reinforces the strategy of attracting structuring investments.
“MARAEY’s international recognition shows that Maricá has entered the global radar for innovative and sustainable projects. It is a venture capable of transforming the city’s economy and generating opportunities for thousands of families”, he highlighted.
Another project presented is the Samba, Football and Caipirinha themed resort, inspired by three of the best-known Brazilian symbols in the world. The proposal is to create a destination focused on the Brazilian cultural experience, with almost 500 accommodations, leisure areas, themed gastronomy, a convention center and the Samba University.
Brazilian cultural identity will also be one of the highlights of Maricá’s participation in the event. The program includes presentations by União de Maricá, champion of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival Gold Series, which takes Maricaense samba to an international audience. In addition to presenting at the city’s stand, the school was invited by the MIPIM organization for a special moment at the Welcome Party, the traditional opening party of the fair that brings together authorities, investors and guests from all over the world. This year, the celebration takes place at the Hotel Martinez, one of the most iconic in Cannes.
At Maricá’s stand, the public will also be able to watch shows by icons Moacyr Luz and Neguinho da Beija-Flor, as well as Marica singer Jô Borges and a Brazilian gastronomic experience with feijoada and caipirinha.
Economy of the future
In addition to tourism, Maricá presents projects aimed at strengthening economic infrastructure. One of them is the Port of Maricá, planned to be the largest private terminal in Brazil, with capacity to handle up to 80 million tons per year and connect the city to important international trade routes. In addition, Hotel N13, designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer, will also be presented. The proposal is to structure the projects in partnership with investors interested in developing the projects in the city.
“The set of these projects shows that Maricá is experiencing a new cycle of development, preparing the city for the future, generating employment, income and quality of life for the population”, stated the president of Maricá Arte, Roteiros eExperiences (MARÉ), Antônio Grassi.
Also part of the development strategy are the Hotel Maricá, scheduled for delivery this year, and the Plaza Maricá Shopping, under construction and aimed at expanding the range of services, commerce and jobs in the city.
About MIPIM
Created in 1990, MIPIM brings together governments, investors, developers, architects and operators from different countries. The event functions as a global showcase for urban, tourism and real estate development projects and as a strategic space for articulating partnerships and attracting international investments.
During the event, the Maricá delegation has scheduled meetings with international business groups interested in learning about the projects presented and evaluating private partnership opportunities for implementation.
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2026/03/10/marica-leva-projetos-estrategicos-ao-maior-evento-imobiliario/
