Brazil has closed out 2025 with a historic tourism milestone, welcoming nine million international visitors before the end of the year and firmly positioning itself among the world’s fastest-growing travel destinations.
The figure represents a dramatic leap from the previous record of 6.77 million visitors set in 2024 and comfortably surpasses the national target of 6.9 million outlined in the country’s 2024–2027 tourism strategy. The surge signals a turning point for Brazil, reflecting renewed global confidence in the destination and a broad recovery of long-haul travel.
Tourism spending rose alongside arrivals. Between January and November, international visitors injected $7.17 billion into Brazil’s economy, according to data from the Central Bank. That total marks an increase of more than eight percent compared with the same period last year and nearly matches the full-year total recorded in 2024.
The spending growth underscores tourism’s expanding role as an economic engine, supporting jobs, regional development, and infrastructure investment across the country.
Officials credit the results to a sustained effort to reposition Brazil’s global image and focus on priority source markets. Embratur, the country’s tourism promotion agency, has emphasized cultural diversity, natural attractions, and improved air connectivity in its international outreach.
Agency president Marcelo Freixo described the achievement as historic, highlighting tourism’s ability to generate income and opportunities well beyond traditional hotspots and into emerging destinations nationwide.
South America remained the strongest driver of inbound growth in 2025. Argentina led all source markets with 3.1 million visitors, representing an increase of more than 80 percent year over year.
Chile followed with more than 720,000 visitors, while the United States ranked third, sending nearly 678,000 travelers to Brazil during the same period. The steady rise in U.S. arrivals points to Brazil’s renewed appeal among North American travelers seeking both urban experiences and nature-based travel.
Entry patterns also reveal how international tourism is spreading across Brazil’s regions. São Paulo consolidated its role as the country’s primary gateway, welcoming close to 2.5 million international visitors between January and November.
Rio de Janeiro followed with just under two million arrivals, reaffirming its position as a global leisure icon. Southern states such as Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná, and Santa Catarina also recorded strong numbers, reflecting the growing importance of cross-border and regional travel.
Looking ahead, tourism officials expect momentum to continue into 2026, supported by increased international air capacity and expanding route networks. Rising ticket sales to Rio de Janeiro and new services at Galeão International Airport are expected to further stimulate demand during the upcoming summer season.
If current trends hold, Brazil’s record-breaking performance in 2025 may mark the beginning of a sustained growth cycle rather than a one-off rebound.
Together, the arrival and spending figures point to a tourism sector that has regained its footing and is evolving into one of Brazil’s most resilient and influential industries, with international travelers once again playing a central role in the country’s economic and cultural exchange with the world.
