Foreign tourists visiting Brazil in May injected a record-breaking amount of US$567 million into the country’s economy, marking a significant surge in international tourism in 2023.
From January to May, foreigners spent US$2.721 billion in Brazil, representing a 36% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
These figures indicate a recovery of tourism to pre-pandemic levels, as the amount generated by tourists in 2019 was only slightly lower at US$2.701 billion.
Marcelo Freixo, president of Embratur (an independent agency of the Ministry of Tourism), expressed optimism about the future of Brazil’s tourism industry, stating that the consistent growth in tourist arrivals and spending demonstrates a strong upward trend.
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) also predicts a return to pre-pandemic levels this year. Freixo emphasized the potential of international tourism to generate employment opportunities and income in Brazil, expressing confidence in the country’s trajectory.
This positive growth in foreign exchange inflows related to tourism is noteworthy as it marks the fifth occurrence since the Central Bank began reporting data in 1995 where Brazil experienced a positive change between April and May.
Embratur has implemented a strategy to expand international air connections to further bolster international tourism.
The agency plans to increase the number of flights to Brazil by 40% in 2023 compared to the previous year, reaching 64,783 flights by December.
This initiative aims to ensure convenient accessibility for tourists, acknowledging air travel’s crucial role in attracting visitors.
Embratur has also undertaken various international promotional activities, including participation in trade shows and press trips for foreign journalists.
The agency organizes additional trade show booths, press trips, Famtours, and roadshows throughout the year to enhance awareness and interest in Brazilian destinations among potential tourists.
By leveraging data intelligence and segmenting the target audience, Embratur seeks to maximize the impact of its promotional campaigns.
With the positive growth trajectory and proactive measures in place, Brazil’s international tourism sector is poised for a promising future, offering many opportunities for visitors and the country’s economy.