Brasília – Brazil's tourism industry is experiencing an unprecedented resurgence, fueled by strong demand from key international markets including the United States, Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Brazil is expected to generate over US$167 billion in economic contribution by the end of this year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and setting new records for GDP contribution and job creation. Both domestic and international travel are showing sustained growth, and this momentum is projected to continue for the next decade, firmly establishing Brazil as one of the fastest-growing tourism economies in the region.

 
Brazil's Travel & Tourism Sector Poised to Break All Records with Accelerated Economic and Employment Growth

Brazil's Travel & Tourism sector is preparing for a historic year. New data from the WTTC reveals strong economic momentum and significant job creation. The WTTC's latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), developed in partnership with Oxford Economics and presented at the Brazil Visit Summit, offers an optimistic outlook for the sector's performance throughout 2025.

According to the report, Brazil's Travel & Tourism sector is expected to contribute approximately US$167.6 billion to the Brazilian national economy by the end of this year. This figure represents 7.7% of Brazil's GDP, solidifying the industry's position as a powerful driver of national economic growth and development. This is likely to be further accelerated by the Brazilian government's policy commitment to fostering tourism as a strategic industry. Indeed, the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism has actively pursued infrastructure improvements and investment attraction in recent years, with a particular focus on developing sustainable tourism models.

 
Tourism on the Brink of Surpassing All Previous Records

The sector is not merely recovering; it's anticipated to exceed all previous records across key performance indicators. Employment in the Travel & Tourism industry is projected to reach 8.2 million jobs by the end of the year, accounting for nearly 8% of total national employment. This represents an increase of over 500,000 jobs compared to 2019, underscoring the sector's role in boosting job opportunities and reducing unemployment. This employment growth is not limited to the service sector but creates ripple effects across various related industries, including accommodation, transportation, food and beverage, and leisure activities.

 
Sustained Growth in Domestic and International Spending

Tourism-related spending continues to rise, reflecting strong momentum across the sector. Domestic travel is expected to generate US$113.2 billion, while international visitors are projected to spend approximately US$7.5 billion in Brazil this year. These figures indicate a sustained upward trend in both domestic and international demand for Brazilian travel experiences.

The study also shows that Brazil had already surpassed its pre-pandemic tourism performance in 2024. Last year, the sector generated nearly US$167 billion, a 3.4% increase from 2023. Employment figures rose to 8.1 million jobs, representing 4% growth year-on-year. Notably, Brazil's domestic travel market significantly outweighs the international market in both size and growth, with its vast territory and diverse regional attractions serving as key drivers of domestic tourism.

 
Leisure Travel Drives Growth

Leisure travel remains the dominant driver of Brazil's tourism growth. In 2024, leisure-related spending accounted for 89.9% of total travel expenditure, while business travel comprised only 10.1%. Brazil's diverse culture, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant urban centers continue to be major attractions for travelers seeking authentic experiences, scenic getaways, and immersive adventures.

Last year, international visitor spending significantly increased to US$7.2 billion, marking a 10.7% rise from the previous year. Simultaneously, domestic tourism spending consistently grew, reaching US$112.3 billion, a 3% increase year-on-year. This demonstrates how Brazil's unique natural wonders like the Amazon rainforest and the Pantanal wetlands, coupled with iconic urban hubs such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, are synergizing with global trends in experience-driven travel.

 
Key Source Markets Drive Growth

Brazil's inbound tourism continues to be invigorated by strong demand from neighboring countries and long-haul markets. Argentina was the largest contributor to Brazil's international tourism in 2024, accounting for 29% of all foreign visitor arrivals. The U.S. followed with 11%, while Chile and Paraguay contributed 10% and 7% respectively. These four nations form the backbone of Brazil's tourism economy and are essential for sustaining international tourism revenue. South American countries, in particular, benefit from geographical proximity and cultural similarities, which facilitate visitors traveling by land. The Brazilian government continues its policy efforts, including increasing flights and simplifying visas, for these key markets.

 
Long-Term Outlook Remains Positive

Beyond 2025, Brazil's Travel & Tourism sector is expected to maintain steady growth over the next decade. By 2035, the sector is projected to generate nearly US$199 billion, demonstrating an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. Furthermore, total employment within the industry is forecast to increase to 9.7 million jobs, suggesting the creation of over 1.5 million new jobs over the next 10 years.

International visitor spending is expected to exceed US$10 billion, and domestic travel spending is projected to reach US$133.5 billion. This sustained expansion confirms the sector's importance as a pillar of Brazil's broader economic strategy, positioning Brazil as a leading destination in Latin America. Brazil has extensive experience hosting mega-events, which has contributed to its international recognition and infrastructure development.

 
A Strategic Industry with Broad Potential

The data presented by the WTTC reinforces that Brazil's tourism industry is not only recovering from recent global challenges but is transforming into a strategic sector with broad potential. Continued investment, infrastructure improvements, and marketing efforts are likely to further strengthen this growth, attract more international tourists, and stimulate local economies across Brazil's diverse regions. The increasing interest in ecotourism and sustainable tourism, in particular, offers significant opportunities for developing tourism products that leverage Brazil's pristine natural environments like the Amazon and the Pantanal. The Brazilian government and the private sector are working to establish cooperative models to maximize this potential.

Fueled by increasing demand from the United States, Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay, Brazil's tourism sector is projected to surpass US$167 billion in economic contribution this year, according to the WTTC. This growth marks a significant milestone in Brazil's decade-long travel industry expansion.

As 2025 progresses, all indicators point to a record-breaking performance for Brazil's tourism sector, solidifying its role as one of the most resilient and high-potential industries in the nation's economic landscape. Brazil is undertaking multifaceted efforts to connect the ongoing growth of its tourism industry with sustainable development, including expanding community engagement and preserving cultural heritage. These efforts will contribute to Brazil becoming a destination that offers truly authentic experiences, not just a tourist spot.

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