Brazil’s Tourism Industry Soars to Historic Heights in 2025

Brazil is witnessing a dramatic rebound in its international tourism sector in 2025, with surging arrivals and record-setting months signalling that the country has reclaimed its place as a global destination of choice.

In the opening months of the year, international visitor numbers rose sharply. In the first quarter alone, 3.74 million foreign tourists entered Brazil — an increase of nearly 48 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. This momentum extended well into later months, with several months registering near all-time highs for arrivals. Between January and May, arrivals were up by almost 50 per cent year on year. Meanwhile, August delivered around 576,000 visitors — the strongest August on record for Brazil, representing a 37.8 per cent increase over the previous year.

Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo remain at the forefront of this rebound. São Paulo served as the principal gateway, hosting over 1.58 million international arrivals in the first half of 2025, while Rio welcomed about 1.32 million visitors. Neighbouring South American markets continue to supply a large share of arrivals — Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay together account for millions of visitors — while North America and Europe are also contributing robust numbers, with the United States and the United Kingdom among key sources of growth.

Officials point to a combination of targeted tourism promotion, enhanced air connectivity and aggressive marketing as central drivers of the revival. Federal efforts to expand direct flight routes and boost foreign investment in infrastructure have paid off, while tourism agencies have focused on repositioning Brazil’s image on the global stage. Embratur, Brazil’s national tourism body, credits these strategies for bringing in nearly 6 million international visitors in just the first seven months of 2025.

The economic implications are substantial. International tourism revenues are forecast to exceed previous records, reinforcing the sector’s significance as a pillar of Brazil’s economy. Analysts estimate the industry could generate contributions upward of US $7 billion or more in foreign exchange this year — a critical inflow for regional development, employment and local businesses.

However, sustaining this trajectory won’t be without challenges. Authorities will need to balance infrastructure expansion with environmental safeguards, ensure benefits reach remote and rural regions, and avoid overburdening popular destinations. If Brazil can manage those demands, its resurgence in international tourism may not only revitalise the travel sector — it may reshape the nation’s economic fortunes in 2025 and beyond.