Snow in the middle of the summer of Rio. In a city known for the 40 ° C heat, a park promises to offer ice kart tracks, iglus and snow sculptures signed by international artists.
This is the Wonderland Parkproject that aims to transform Rio de Janeiro a reference in experience tourism in Latin America, with investment of up to R $ 150 million.
The attraction miras to receive millions of visitors and move about R $ 5 billion in the carioca economy in five yearsaccording to the company’s projections.
“The visitor will always find something new. Our model is based on experiences that change annually, ensuring innovation and return,” says Andrés Orozco, Ceo Do Wonderland.
Unpublished attractions and business model
In the first phase, the park will have four exclusive experiences:
- Cidade de Ice: with 8,000 m² of snow and sculptures signed by international artists;
- Ice Kart: the first ice kart track in Latin America;
- Boutique Hotel with Ice Bar: in which groups they can reserve iglus for a few hours;
- Biggest playground in Brazil: With inflatable giants, adventure circuits and family attractions.
In addition, the project foresees a Food boulevard and brand activations with free admissioninspired by models like Downtown Disney, to turn the park into a permanent meeting point.
Why in Rio de Janeiro?
According to Orozco, the choice for Rio is strategic.
“We believe in the city’s potential. Rio still lacks high -level attractions that renew the offer for residents and tourists. We want to add to the Rio de Janeiro brand and lengthen the visitor’s permanence”
The space, with 20 thousand m², can receive until 3 million visitors per year. The expectation is to sell between 5 and 10 million tickets in five yearswith annual revenues above R $ 200 million.
Economic and social impact
In addition to strengthening carioca tourism, the park should generate until 5,000 indirect jobs and social programs of insertion in the labor market. According to Orozco, “about 70% of employees will have their first job at Wonderland. We will also have specific policies to support mothers to reconcile work and maternity.”
The CEO summarizes the expected impact: “Wonderland belongs to everyone: benefits hotels, restaurants, taxi drivers and the general population. It is a project with international impact.”
Current phase and next steps
The project is currently in the phase of executive development – involving architecture, engineering, branding and gastronomic concept. It is expected that the works start at the end of 2025. Imported equipment is already being commissioned, which reinforces the need for robust financial management.
To enable the operation, Wonderland has partnered with the XP companiesresponsible for exchange, cash management and financial planning.
“Our first exchange channel for exchange operations is via XP companies, essential in a project whose equipment is mostly imported and dolarized. XP Enterprises is with us throughout the structure: receivables, financing and financial governance”
Also according to the CEO, when the park is in operation, XP Companies will also be responsible for supporting Payroll of more than 500 direct employeesbesides treasury and working capital.
“XP Enterprises support projects that transform Brazilian society into social, sports, cultural and economic fronts. For us, it is the central partner to deliver the largest investment in tourism and leisure in Rio de Janeiro in recent years, with financial and scale solidity,” concludes Orozco.
