BRICS Countries Emergence as Top Travel Destinations: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa Lead the Way, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on November 27, 2025

Recently, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa’s BRICS nations have started noticing some major growth in their tourism industries and experts and estimations predict that the tourism industries in these countries will double in the coming decade. This growth is being stimulated by some economic growth, the construction of new infrastructure, and efforts to bring in international tourists. As these nations rise in popularity, they will face new challenges and opportunities in their tourism industries that will help to shape the future of the travel industry as a whole.

Brazil: A Thriving Destination for Adventure and Culture

Brazil has become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. In 2025, Brazil set a tourism revenue record, reaching US$6.05 billion between January and September, an 11.7% increase from the previous year. The country’s diverse attractions, including the vast Amazon Basin, the iconic Iguazu Falls, and the world-famous Rio Carnival, have made it a top destination for travelers.

A significant driver of Brazil’s tourism growth has been its appeal to international markets, particularly from China. Chinese tourists have shown increasing interest in Brazil, with the number of visitors rising by 80% from 2023 to 2024. The country’s rich natural and cultural offerings, combined with improved infrastructure, have positioned Brazil as a major player in global tourism.

Indonesia: A Popular Destination with Steady Growth

Indonesia has also seen remarkable growth in tourism in recent years. In 2025, the country received 11.43 million tourists, marking a 10.22% increase in arrivals compared to the previous year. Popular destinations such as Bali, Jakarta, and the Komodo Islands have attracted visitors from across the world, with a particularly strong rise in Russian tourists. From January to June 2025, the number of Russian visitors to Indonesia increased by 35.4%, highlighting the growing appeal of Indonesia among Eastern European and Asian travelers.

Indonesia’s ongoing investment in tourism infrastructure, including new hotels, improved air connectivity, and enhanced visitor services, has helped bolster its status as a major destination. As a result, the country is seeing increasing numbers of tourists seeking everything from beach vacations to eco-tourism and cultural experiences.

China: Booming Tourism from Russia and Beyond

China has seen a surge in tourism, particularly from Russia, following the introduction of a visa-free regime for Russian tourists in 2025. This policy change led to a significant uptick in demand, with some travel routes to China witnessing an increase in bookings by as much as 100%. Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an are seeing increasing numbers of Russian tourists who are interested in cultural tours, gastronomy, and eco-tourism.

China’s tourism growth is also supported by investments in infrastructure, including the development of new airports and an expanding high-speed rail network. These efforts not only make it easier for tourists to travel within the country but also position China as a top destination for both leisure and business tourism. The country’s diverse tourism offerings, from historical sites to modern attractions, continue to attract a wide range of international travelers.

Russia: Business Tourism at the Forefront

While leisure tourism in Russia remains robust, business tourism has become a central focus for the country’s hospitality sector. As Russia strengthens its partnerships within the BRICS framework, the country is hosting a growing number of international conferences, forums, and business events, especially in cities like Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Murmansk, and Sakhalin.

The BRICS partnership has driven significant interest in these events, contributing to an increase in business travel. Alongside business events, Russia is also focusing on promoting gastronomy and cultural tourism to encourage longer stays and private visits from business travelers. Additionally, visa policy changes and the growth of e-visas have made Russia a more accessible destination for tourists from countries like China, India, and the UAE.

India: Growth Driven by Heritage and Modern Infrastructure

India’s tourism sector has seen remarkable growth, particularly with international tourists visiting for the country’s rich cultural heritage and historical sites. In 2024, India welcomed a record 9.9 million foreign tourists. The Indian government’s focus on improving air connectivity, expanding visa programs, and promoting tourism exhibitions has helped fuel this growth.

With more than 170 countries now eligible for e-visas, India has become more accessible than ever. The country’s iconic sites like the Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s palaces, and the Himalayas attract millions of visitors. Furthermore, the expansion of direct flights to India and new developments in the tourism sector are expected to continue boosting its tourism economy.

South Africa: Increasing Tourist Numbers and Diverse Attractions

South Africa has also seen an uptick in tourist arrivals, with a 5.1% increase in foreign visits in 2024. The country’s combination of wildlife tourism, including safaris and shark diving, as well as cultural tourism, wine tours, and beach holidays, has solidified its position as a top destination in Africa. With 8.92 million tourists visiting in 2024, South Africa is continuing to benefit from its well-developed tourism infrastructure and diverse offerings.

Sustainable Tourism: An Emerging Trend in BRICS Countries

As the tourism sectors in BRICS countries grow, there is a rising focus on sustainable tourism. Many of these countries are taking steps to minimize their environmental impact by encouraging the use of renewable energy in hotels, promoting eco-friendly transportation, and reducing plastic waste in tourist hotspots. In China, the government has invested in electric vehicles (EVs), with over 22 million EVs on the road, while India and South Africa are expanding their fleets of electric buses to reduce the environmental footprint of tourism.

Sustainable tourism also supports the development of smart cities, integrating digital technology, AI, and big data to improve urban tourism experiences. By embracing these technologies, BRICS countries aim to create more efficient and eco-friendly tourism systems that cater to modern traveler expectations.

Challenges and Future Prospects for BRICS Tourism

Despite the promising growth of tourism within BRICS countries, there are several challenges that need to be addressed. These include infrastructure development, competition among countries, and the need for sustainable practices. As more destinations within BRICS become popular, the competition will increase, requiring countries to continually improve their offerings and invest in their tourism sectors.

Additionally, while growth in tourist arrivals is expected to continue, these countries must balance the demand with the potential environmental and social impacts of mass tourism. Responsible tourism, infrastructure investment, and government cooperation will be key factors in ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the tourism industry in BRICS nations.

BRICS as the Future of Global Tourism

Given the rich culture and modern development in BRICS countries along with the international connectivity, tourism in the BRICS countries is flourishing. An investment in tourism and travel to these countries will be increasingly important to the global travel market. Of the young and educated citizens, the anticipated growth will make BRICS tourism significant and forceful. With sustainability and innovation, these countries will continue to attract the travelers and foster economic growth and global collaboration.