Brazil welcomed 300,000 international tourists during Carnival 2026, marking a 17% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The week-long celebrations generated almost US$186 million in revenue from foreign visitors, reinforcing the festival’s role as a major driver of tourism and economic activity.
The total number of arrivals represented around 30% of the international travel volume typically recorded over an entire month, concentrated into just seven days. The figures underline Carnival’s continued importance as a global cultural event and a focal point for inbound tourism.
According to Embratur, the Brazilian Agency for International Tourism Promotion, the economic impact extended across multiple destinations. Rio de Janeiro remained the leading gateway, welcoming 110,000 foreign visitors during the festivities, accounting for 36% of total international arrivals.
In practical terms, four out of every ten international tourists visiting Brazil for Carnival chose Rio as their destination. Compared to 2025, the city recorded a 9% increase in foreign arrivals during the period. Spending by international visitors in Rio alone generated approximately US$67 million.
Beyond Rio de Janeiro, other states also reported significant inflows. São Paulo accounted for around 23.5% of international tourists during Carnival, while Bahia received approximately 7.5%. Pernambuco attracted 4.9% of foreign arrivals and Minas Gerais recorded 1.5%. A further 26.6% of visitors travelled to other destinations across the country, reflecting the geographic diversity of Carnival celebrations.
Marcelo Freixo, President of Embratur, said: “We are reaping the rewards of an active international promotion policy. Carnival is our greatest cultural showcase, and today it is also consolidating itself as a strategic engine for generating revenue, jobs, and development. The world has once again chosen Brazil.”
Embratur attributes the growth to targeted international promotion efforts positioning Brazil’s cultural diversity and natural assets as core attractions. The agency is responsible for implementing Brazil’s National Tourism Policy in the international market, with a focus on promotion, marketing and the development of tourism services and products.
Carnival 2026’s performance reinforces Brazil’s position as one of the world’s leading cultural tourism destinations, with the festival continuing to act as a significant contributor to employment, regional economies and international visibility.
