Brazil has reported a sharp rise in international tourism during the opening months of 2026, with more than 400,000 European visitors arriving in January and February. The figures mark the country’s strongest performance for the period in two decades and reflect continued efforts to broaden its global tourism base.
In total, 411,804 tourists from Europe visited Brazil in the first two months of the year. This represents an 18.55% increase compared to the same period in 2025, reinforcing the country’s position as a leading long-haul destination for European travellers seeking sun, nature and cultural experiences.
The increase forms part of a wider influx of international visitors. More than 2.6 million foreign tourists travelled to Brazil in January and February, pointing to sustained demand across multiple source markets during the peak summer season.
“The numbers show that Brazil remains a global trend in 2026 and plays a leading role on the world stage, with great potential for new business and growth this year. The significant increase among European countries reflects the effectiveness of our international promotion strategies, carried out in partnership with states and the private sector, delivering a diversity of experiences with a strong Brazilian identity”, says Marcelo Freixo, president of Visit Brasil/Embratur.
European markets have played a central role in this growth. Portugal recorded the highest percentage increase among the main source countries, with 67,819 Portuguese visitors arriving in the first two months of 2026. This represents a 29.70% rise compared to the previous year and marks the strongest performance on record for the period.
Spain also posted notable growth, with 28,786 Spanish tourists visiting Brazil, up 19.98% year on year. While still slightly below its 2012 peak for the same period, the figures indicate a steady recovery and renewed interest in Brazilian destinations.
Germany remains one of Brazil’s largest European markets in absolute terms. A total of 53,986 German tourists visited in January and February, representing a 17.05% increase compared to 2025. Although this figure does not surpass the country’s 2006 peak for the same period, it signals continued strength in demand from Central Europe.
The United Kingdom and France also delivered strong results. Brazil welcomed 47,662 British visitors during the first two months of 2026, an increase of 14.57% and the highest figure recorded for the period. France contributed 63,257 visitors, up 8.64% year on year and also a record for January and February.
The UK market has shown consistent growth over a longer timeframe. In 2025, Brazil received 187,396 British tourists, representing a 21.88% increase compared to 2024. Key destinations for UK travellers included São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Paraná, Bahia and Ceará, reflecting a mix of urban, coastal and nature-based tourism.
Brazil’s appeal to European travellers is closely tied to its seasonal advantage. While much of Europe experiences winter conditions in the early months of the year, Brazil offers summer weather, alongside major cultural events such as Carnival. This seasonal contrast continues to position the country as an attractive option for long-haul leisure travel.
The growth also aligns with broader efforts by the Brazilian Agency for International Tourism Promotion, EMBRATUR, to strengthen the country’s presence in international markets. The agency is responsible for delivering the National Tourism Policy, with a focus on promotion, marketing and the development of tourism products and services.
These strategies have increasingly emphasised diversification. Rather than relying on a small number of traditional markets, Brazil has sought to expand its reach across Europe and other regions, supported by partnerships with regional governments and private sector stakeholders.
Tourism remains an important contributor to Brazil’s economic development, with international arrivals supporting employment, regional investment and foreign exchange revenues. The sector also plays a role in promoting Brazil’s natural and cultural assets, including biodiversity, heritage and local communities.
At the same time, the distribution of visitors across different regions highlights the breadth of Brazil’s tourism offering. Coastal destinations, major cities and inland regions all continue to attract international travellers, supported by infrastructure development and targeted promotion.
The latest figures suggest that Brazil’s international tourism sector has entered 2026 with strong momentum. Continued growth from European markets, alongside rising global visitor numbers, points to sustained interest in the country as a long-haul destination.
EMBRATUR has indicated that it will maintain its focus on international promotion and market diversification throughout the year, with the aim of consolidating recent gains and supporting further expansion in inbound tourism.
