The tourist topicality of the case of the Spanish flu in the city of Rio de Janeiro (Sep. 1918 - Mar. 1919)

Abstract This study investigates the epidemic outbreak of the Spanish flu that hit the city of Rio de Janeiro in 1918, aiming to contribute to the understanding of the relationship between tourism and epidemics – and, consequently, the Covid-19 pandemic itself. For this, the study uses the historical method of investigation, based on primary sources and documentary research. The main historical source used is the periodicals from Rio de Janeiro, explored through scrutiny in the collection of the National Digital Library. In addition, secondary sources were used, such as chronicles, novels, and memories. As a result of the investigation, it appears that the epidemic outbreak of the Spanish flu affected, in multiple aspects, the tourist activity in the city of Rio de Janeiro, among which we highlight the development of mass tourism.