Brazil Welcomes Historic Nine Million International Visitors by End of this Year, Surpassing Projections and Boosting its Tourism Economy Growth

Published on December 25, 2025

Brazil has registered a historical moment in its tourism industry, exceeding all prognoses in welcoming 9 million overseas tourists at the end of 2025. Such a tremendous figure not only shatters the record in 2024 of 6.77 million visitors but also goes beyond the 6.9 million prognoses enshrined in the National Tourism Plan (2024-2027).

The news was released in the context of a celebratory event organized in the “Turistometer” in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro. It was attended by the President of Embratur, Marcelo Freixo, along with the most important representatives from the tourism sector in Brazil. There was the presence of Mangueira’s percussive drummers that gave the event the energy that makes Brazil a major tourist destination.

Economic Impact: A Boon for Brazil’s Tourism Economy

The arrival of 9 million international tourists has had a substantial economic impact, contributing an impressive $7.17 billion to Brazil’s economy between January and November 2025, according to the Central Bank. This marks an 8.41% increase over the previous year, and the figure is only slightly shy of the full-year total of $7.3 billion projected for 2024.

For Embratur (Brazil’s Tourism Board), the figures represent the culmination of strategic efforts to reposition Brazil’s tourism on the global stage. President Freixo emphasized that the achievement is a historic milestone that not only supports economic growth but also generates jobs, income, and regional development, positioning tourism as a major driver of the national economy. These results reflect the collective work of both public and private sectors, which have focused on bolstering Brazil’s image and expanding its reach into priority international markets.

The tourism impact of this milestone is already being felt across the country, from economic benefits for local businesses to the job creation resulting from increased demand for services such as accommodation, transportation, and hospitality. The rise in international visitors has provided much-needed relief for sectors hit hard during the pandemic, cementing tourism as a key pillar of Brazil’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

Key Markets and Top Source Countries for Brazilian Tourism

The period from January to November 2025 saw substantial contributions from several countries, especially from Latin America:

• Argentina emerged as the leading source of visitors, with an impressive 3.1 million tourists, marking an 82.1% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
• Chile saw 721,497 visitors, reflecting a 24.4% increase in tourism from the previous year.
• The United States contributed 677,888 visitors, a solid 5.8% increase from 2024, further demonstrating the growing demand for Brazil from North America.
• Uruguay and Paraguay also contributed notable numbers, with 487,514 and 454,327 visitors, respectively, reflecting growth rates of 37.2% and 14.4%.

The positive tourism impact from these countries demonstrates the broadening appeal of Brazil’s destinations, making it not only a regional tourism leader but also a growing global player. As international travelers seek out diverse experiences, Brazil’s mix of cultural, historical, and natural offerings continues to resonate.

Regional Impact: São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro Lead Tourism Growth

The state of São Paulo emerged as Brazil’s largest recipient of international tourists, with nearly 2.5 million visitors recorded between January and November 2025. This highlights São Paulo’s role as the country’s primary tourism gateway, welcoming both business and leisure travelers.

Following closely were Rio de Janeiro with 1.97 million visitors, Rio Grande do Sul with 1.43 million, Paraná with 958,000, and Santa Catarina with 651,000. These regions contributed significantly to Brazil’s overall tourism growth, thanks to their wide variety of cultural and natural attractions, reinforcing the diverse appeal of the country across multiple tourism sectors.

The tourism impact of this expansion is also evident in regional economies, where local businesses are benefiting from the increased number of visitors, leading to job creation and a revitalization of tourism-dependent industries such as hospitality, tour operators, and local retailers.

Future Projections and Growth Prospects for 2026

Looking ahead to the summer of 2026, tourism leaders are confident that this growth will continue, fueled by increased flight ticket sales and expanded international air networks, particularly from Galeão Airport in Rio de Janeiro. João Marcello Barreto, president of Orla Rio, underscored that the milestone strengthens the ongoing cooperation between public and private sectors, which is vital for improving service quality, ensuring sustainability, and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Sustainability is expected to play a key role in the future trajectory of Brazil’s tourism. The nation’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that the natural and cultural resources remain intact while accommodating a growing number of visitors, will be essential in maintaining the momentum in the coming years. The tourism impact from sustainable practices will also help preserve Brazil’s cultural heritage while meeting the demand for new, responsible travel experiences.

A Bright Future for Brazil’s Tourism Industry

The accomplishment achieved by Brazil in hosting 9 million foreign tourists by the end of 2025 symbolizes a historic milestone for the tourism industry of the country. It highlights the ability of the nation to attract tourists across the globe for its rich culture, varied landscapes, and vibrant tourism resources. With joint efforts and coordination, Brazil has a promising future to become a premier tourist destination in the international tourism industry.

The increasing number of international tourists indicates both the resilience of Brazil and the rising demand for the unique offering that Brazil provides in terms of culture, nature, and warm Brazilian hospitality, ensuring that the tourism sector in Brazil continues to be a leading source of prosperity for the Brazilian economy. The tourism impact caused by this historic achievement goes far beyond the statistic; it marks a paradigm shift for Brazil’s tourism infrastructure, reputation, and stability as a contributing aspect of Brazil’s socio-economic prosperity as it continues to welcome tourists across the world.