Gustavo Feliciano, Brazil’s Minister of Tourism, bets on credit, international connectivity, and partnerships to boost the sector

In an exclusive interview, the minister outlined plans focused on expanding access to credit, increasing air connectivity, and advancing international agreements, with the goal of positioning Brazil more competitively on the global stage.

Brazil’s tourism sector has reached unprecedented milestones. The minister highlighted that the country welcomed nearly 9.3 million international tourists in 2025, the highest number ever recorded.

“We reached, for example, a record of nearly 9.3 million international tourists in 2025 — the highest figure in our history,” Feliciano said.

According to the minister, growth has also been remarkable globally. “According to UN Tourism, we led the increase in international arrivals among the world’s top destinations, with a 37% rise,” he noted.

The economic impact has followed this upward trend. “We also reached approximately $7.9 billion in international tourism revenue last year, exceeding 2024 by more than 7%,” the minister added.

In addition, the sector played a strong role in job creation. “Tourism closed 2025 with 1.9 million formal hires and a net gain of 80,000 new jobs,” Feliciano said.

Infrastructure, training, and credit as pillars

Among the administration’s priorities, Feliciano points to structural investments and modernization of the business environment as key to sustaining growth.

According to him, the government is working to improve infrastructure, enhance professional training, and promote sustainability across the sector. The minister also emphasized the importance of social inclusion.

Financial incentives are another highlight. “The ‘Brazil More Credit for Tourism’ program aims to strengthen especially micro and small businesses in the sector, expanding support opportunities under highly favorable conditions,” he explained.

The program was created to facilitate access to credit through Fungetur (General Tourism Fund), which finances working capital, equipment purchases, and construction projects.

Partnership with South Africa expands connectivity

Cooperation between Brazil and South Africa is emerging as a strategy to increase tourist flows and strengthen international aviation.

“The agreement provides for continued bilateral collaboration to facilitate tourist flows, including the pursuit of new air routes,” the minister stated.

According to Feliciano, there is potential to create regional hubs. “One possibility is to turn Brazil into an aviation hub in South America for flights coming from South Africa,” he said.

He also highlighted joint promotional efforts. “There are plans for a joint roadshow and other integrated promotional initiatives,” he added.

Expanding cooperation with African countries

The model adopted with South Africa could be expanded to other African nations, strengthening historical and cultural ties.

“Brazil is willing to cooperate on tourism with all African countries,” Feliciano said.

The minister cited ongoing initiatives, such as the agreement with Kenya and strengthened relations with Benin. According to him, the focus includes joint promotion, investment, and sustainable tourism.

Feliciano also highlighted Brazil’s international role. The country currently chairs the UN Tourism Executive Council and hosts the organization’s office for the Americas and the Caribbean.

Ambitious goals for the coming years

The National Tourism Plan 2024–2027 sets clear objectives for growth and regional leadership.

“The overall goal of the National Tourism Plan 2024–2027 is to make Brazil the leading destination in South America for inbound visitors,” Feliciano said.

Following recent results, the minister expects new records. “We are fully capable of surpassing 10 million international visitors,” he stated.

Cultural events gain strategic importance

Promoting cultural events is one of the key strategies to increase tourist flow throughout the year.

According to the minister, Brazil’s Tourism Calendar organizes and promotes attractions nationwide, including festivals, food events, and cultural celebrations.

Feliciano also highlighted international promotional efforts. “We are organizing the promotion of Brazil’s diverse attractions during tourism events in Argentina and China,” he said.

Another highlight is the Tourism Fair (Salão do Turismo), to be held in Fortaleza, showcasing experiences from all five regions of Brazil.

Legal modernization and innovation in the sector

Updating legislation is considered essential to strengthen the competitiveness of Brazil’s tourism industry.

“It is worth noting that the new General Tourism Law, enacted by President Lula in September 2024, represents one of the sector’s most significant modernizations in nearly two decades,” Feliciano said.

Among the advances, the minister highlighted the inclusion of new stakeholders in the market. “Family farmers can now register with Cadastur to offer tourism services without losing their status as rural producers,” he explained.

Digitalization is also gaining ground. “The adoption of the National Digital Guest Registration Form will eliminate paper use and streamline service for travelers,” he said.

According to Feliciano, ongoing collaboration with the National Tourism Council ensures continuous regulatory updates aligned with global demands.

Report: Mary de Aquino.
Photo: Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism.