Brazil accounted for 40% of air travel to South America in the first quarter of 2026

Brazil reaffirms its position as the main gateway to South America after concentrating 40% of international air tickets issued to the region during the first quarter of 2026.

According to preliminary data from the Amadeus platform, ticket issuance to the country registered a growth of 16% compared to the same period of the previous year, consolidating a positive trend in the recovery and expansion of international tourism.

Main destinations within the country

Rio de Janeiro positioned itself as the most in-demand destination, concentrating 38% of the total tickets issued and registering an increase of 14% compared to 2025. In second place was São Paulo, with a share of 24% and a growth of 7% in reservations.

Rio Grande do Norte and Rio Grande do Sul stood out for their high growth rates, with increases of 73% and 54% respectively. Pernambuco rounded out the ranking as one of the top air destinations, with a 26% share.

Most searched attractions

The survey also identified the country's main tourist attractions based on online searches. Among the most prominent are:

The survey also identified the country's main tourist attractions based on online searches. Among the most prominent are Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, both in Rio de Janeiro; Iguaçu Falls, in Paraná; Chapada Diamantina, in Bahia; Lençóis Maranhenses, in Maranhão; Brasília Cathedral, in the Federal District; and Paulista Avenue, in São Paulo.

International arrivals on the rise

During March 2026, Brazil received 1,053,098 international tourists, representing a 13% increase compared to the same month of the previous year.

In the first quarter, the country reached 3.7 million foreign visitors, reinforcing its attractiveness in the regional context.