This record growth highlights the success of joint initiatives led by the Ministry of Tourism and Embratur to improve Brazil's attractiveness as a tourist destination. The influx of international tourists generated US$4.3 billion, significantly boosting the country's economy. In July alone, US$615 million in foreign currency was recorded, the second highest amount for this month since 2014, when Brazil hosted the World Cup.
Main source markets and entry points
Argentina emerged as the main source of international tourists, with 1.8 million visitors, followed by the United States (668,400), Chile (458,500), Paraguay (424,400) and Uruguay (334,700). The main entry points to Brazil were the states of São Paulo (1.2 million visitors), Rio de Janeiro (868,300), Rio Grande do Sul (647,700), Paraná (573,500) and Santa Catarina (328,200). Air travel remains the main mode of entry, with 2.5 million tourists arriving by air, followed by 1.3 million by land and smaller numbers by sea (98,200) and river (54,500).
Tourism revenue and economic impact
International tourists contributed US$4.3 billion to the Brazilian economy in the first seven months of 2024, almost US$1 billion more than the US$3.7 billion recorded in the same period in 2023. July’s inflow of US$615 million represented an 8.46% increase compared to July 2023 and a 2.8% increase compared to July 2019. This increase is attributed to a combination of factors, including increased tourism promotion, the expansion of flight routes, and improvements in tourism infrastructure.
Embratur President Marcelo Freixo highlighted the importance of these numbers and stressed that the money spent by foreign tourists directly benefits local economies. “Tourism is highly democratic. The money spent by tourists reaches the beach vendor, the waiter, the Uber driver and the small merchants, creating jobs and promoting local development,” he said.
Collaborative efforts and strategic growth
Tourism Minister Celso Sabino was optimistic that previous records would be broken by the end of the year. “In 2023, we received 5.9 million international tourists. With 4 million already registered in the first seven months of 2024, we are on track to reach at least 7 million by the end of the year, one of the federal government’s main tourism goals,” Sabino said.
Embratur’s strategy, carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, local governments and the private sector, focuses on data-driven decision-making and real-time monitoring to reach specific tourist demographics. The organization has also been working closely with airlines to expand international flight routes, resulting in a projected 19% growth in available flights to Brazil in 2024 alone.
A major initiative, the International Tourism Acceleration Program (PATI), launched in 2024 in collaboration with the Ministry of Ports and Airports, hopes to increase seat capacity on foreign flights to Brazil by 70,000 between October 2024 and March 2025.
Infrastructure and investments
To support this influx of tourists, Brazil has made significant investments in tourism infrastructure. In 2023, the Ministry of Tourism completed 510 projects across the country, including the renovation of coastal areas, the paving of roads and the construction of event centers. These initiatives, totaling R$ 380 million, aim to improve the overall travel experience and attract more foreign visitors.
Freixo concluded by highlighting Brazil's international resurgence as a tourist destination. “Our efforts are bearing fruit. The world is taking note of Brazil's return as a leader in democracy, diversity and environmental stewardship, and this is reflected in the record numbers we are seeing in tourism,” he said.
With constant efforts to improve accessibility and promote Brazil's unique cultural and natural attractions, the country is poised to continue breaking tourism records and cement its place on the global tourism map.
Source: Embratur US