Brazil welcomed over 4 million international tourists between January and July 2024, a 10.4% increase from the same period in 2023, and 1.9% higher than pre-pandemic numbers from 2019. This record-breaking growth highlights the success of joint initiatives led by the Ministry of Tourism and Embratur to enhance Brazil’s appeal as a travel destination. The inflow of international tourists generated US$4.3 billion, significantly boosting the country’s economy. July alone saw US$615 million in foreign exchange, the second-highest amount for this month since 2014, the year Brazil hosted the World Cup.
Key Source Markets and Entry Points
Argentina emerged as the leading source of international tourists, accounting for 1.8 million visitors, followed by the United States (668,400), Chile (458,500), Paraguay (424,400), and Uruguay (334,700). The top entry points into Brazil were the states of São Paulo (1.2 million visitors), Rio de Janeiro (868,300), Rio Grande do Sul (647,700), Paraná (573,500), and Santa Catarina (328,200). Air travel remains the primary mode of entry, with 2.5 million tourists arriving by plane, followed by 1.3 million by land, and smaller numbers by sea (98,200) and river (54,500).
Tourism Revenue and Economic Impact
International tourists contributed US$4.3 billion to the Brazilian economy in the first seven months of 2024, nearly US$1 billion more than the US$3.7 billion recorded in the same period of 2023. July’s inflow of US$615 million represented an 8.46% increase over July 2023, and a 2.8% rise from July 2019. This surge is attributed to a combination of factors, including increased tourism promotion, expanded flight routes, and improvements in tourism infrastructure.
Embratur President Marcelo Freixo emphasized the significance of these figures, noting that the money spent by foreign tourists directly benefits local economies. “Tourism is highly democratic. The money tourists spend reaches the beach vendor, the waiter, the Uber driver, and small business owners, creating jobs and fostering local development,” he said.
Collaborative Efforts and Strategic Growth
Minister of Tourism Celso Sabino expressed optimism about breaking previous records by the end of the year. “In 2023, we welcomed 5.9 million international tourists. With 4 million already recorded in the first seven months of 2024, we are on track to reach at least 7 million by year’s end, one of the federal government's key tourism goals,” Sabino said.
Embratur’s strategy, carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, local governments, and the private sector, focuses on data-driven decisions and real-time monitoring to target specific tourist demographics. The organization has also been working closely with airlines to expand international flight routes, leading to a projected 19% growth in available flights to Brazil in 2024 alone.
One major initiative, the International Tourism Acceleration Program (PATI), launched in 2024 in collaboration with the Ministry of Ports and Airports, is expected to increase seating capacity on foreign flights to Brazil by 70,000 between October 2024 and March 2025.
Infrastructure and Investments
To support this influx of tourists, Brazil has made substantial investments in tourism infrastructure. In 2023, the Ministry of Tourism completed 510 projects across the country, including the renovation of waterfronts, road paving, and the construction of event centers. These initiatives, totaling R$380 million, aim to enhance the overall travel experience and attract more foreign visitors.
Freixo concluded by underscoring Brazil’s international resurgence as a travel destination. “Our efforts are paying off. The world is taking notice of Brazil's return as a leader in democracy, diversity, and environmental stewardship, and this is reflected in the record-breaking numbers we’re seeing in tourism,” he said.
With ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and promote Brazil’s unique cultural and natural attractions, the country is poised to continue breaking tourism records and solidifying its place on the global tourism map.
