Brazil’s international tourism sector is enjoying an unprecedented boom, marking its seventh consecutive record for foreign visitor spending. In the first seven months of 2025 alone, international travellers injected US$4.9 billion into the Brazilian economy—up 13% from the same period in 2024, when the Central Bank registered US$4.32 billion.
The latest figures reinforce tourism’s role as a strategic pillar for Brazil’s growth, driving foreign exchange inflows, creating jobs, and fuelling small and medium-sized enterprises across the country.
Record-Breaking Momentum
In July 2025, foreign visitors spent US$696.4 million in Brazilian destinations, representing a 13.3% increase compared to July 2024’s US$614.7 million. The growth is part of a sustained upward trend that industry leaders say reflects not only strong demand but also deliberate policy and promotional efforts.
“Month after month, we are setting records, solidifying this already historic moment for international tourism in Brazil. But it’s not just about numbers,” said Embratur President Marcelo Freixo. “We are witnessing the consolidation of a driving force in the Brazilian economy. This volume of revenue generated by tourism means more jobs, more income, and development for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in this sector spread across all regions. We are reaping the rewards of Embratur’s ongoing work to reposition our country, which is being achieved through tourism that is beneficial not only for those who come to visit us, but also for those who live here.”
Industry Leaders Point to Broader Drivers
Brazil’s Minister of Tourism, Celso Sabino—who also serves as President of the UN Tourism Executive Board—highlighted how global and national factors have combined to strengthen performance.
“This performance is linked to the global resumption of travel, the expansion of air connectivity, and efforts to promote Brazil internationally as a competitive destination,” Sabino said. “Every dollar spent by a foreign visitor translates into jobs, income, and development for different regions of the country. We are confident that we will continue to meet all our targets, just as we did in 2024. This year, tourism continues to grow, and we are optimistic about reaching the 10 million mark of foreign tourists in the country.”
Nearly 6 Million Visitors Already Welcomed
Visitor arrivals are keeping pace with financial inflows. Between January and July 2025, Brazil welcomed nearly 6 million international tourists—a 47.5% jump compared with 4 million during the same period last year. This milestone represents 86% of the target for 2025, as set in the 2024–2027 National Tourism Plan, which projects 6.9 million international visitors for the year.
The rapid growth demonstrates not only Brazil’s appeal but also the country’s capacity to absorb and distribute benefits. For Embratur, which works closely with state and municipal governments alongside private operators, these results highlight how international promotion can translate directly into hard currency and sustainable economic development.
Where Visitors Are Coming From
South America remains the largest source of visitors, with 3.7 million arrivals from neighbouring countries such as Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Beyond the region, the United States continues to be a major contributor, with 465,192 American tourists recorded up to July.
Europe also represents a significant share, with 532,242 visitors. France, Portugal, Germany, and the United Kingdom stand out as leading source markets. British arrivals, in particular, rose sharply: 109,299 UK tourists travelled to Brazil in the first seven months of 2025, up 20.13% from the 90,976 registered in the same period last year.
Gateway States Lead the Way
São Paulo has reaffirmed its role as the principal gateway for foreign visitors, welcoming 1,582,286 international tourists from January to July. Rio de Janeiro followed closely, receiving 1,324,515 arrivals, while Rio Grande do Sul secured third place with 1,256,132 visitors.
These hubs not only serve as entry points but also as springboards for travellers to explore Brazil’s diverse landscapes—from the Amazon and Pantanal to coastal cities and cultural heritage destinations.
Tourism as a Sustainability Lever
Beyond economic data, the surge in international tourism has important implications for sustainability. Tourism spreads opportunities across sectors—hospitality, transport, food, and local crafts—helping decentralise growth and empower communities in regions often overlooked by heavy industry.
By promoting Brazil as a competitive destination, government bodies are also advancing a strategy of inclusive growth. The emphasis on strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises aligns with the country’s broader sustainability goals, ensuring that tourism revenues filter down to local economies rather than remaining concentrated among major corporations.
Looking Ahead
With nearly 6 million visitors already registered by mid-year and foreign spending breaking record after record, Brazil appears well-positioned to surpass projections for 2025. If the trend continues, Embratur and the Ministry of Tourism could deliver another year of landmark achievements—boosting Brazil’s standing not only as a global tourism destination but as a model for how sustainable tourism can reinforce national development.
As Freixo put it: “This volume of revenue generated by tourism means more jobs, more income, and development for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in this sector spread across all regions.” For Brazil, the challenge now is to maintain this momentum—balancing growth with sustainability, and ensuring that the benefits of this tourism boom are felt far and wide.
