Carnival is one of the busiest periods for tourism in Brazil, and projections for 2025 are promising. According to a survey by Braztoa (Brazilian Association of Tour Operators), associated operators predict a growth of around 20% in sales compared to 2024, driven by a combination of strategic factors.
With the sector booming and the holiday falling in March, people have more time to plan their trips, which has benefited both festive and leisure destinations. After the holidays and a February dedicated to getting back to routine, March appears as the perfect opportunity for a break. Whether for those seeking the contagious energy of street parties and electric trios, or for those who prefer a peaceful getaway, Brazilians are taking advantage of this long holiday to travel.
National destinations: Northeast dominates, but is not alone.
The Northeastern coast remains the absolute favorite of Brazilians who want to enjoy Carnival among parties and paradisiacal landscapes. Maceió and Porto de Galinhas lead the sales, followed by the Linha Verde da Bahia, with Praia do Forte standing out. In third place, two Bahian classics share the preference with Rio de Janeiro: Porto Seguro and Salvador. Recife appears in fourth place, and the national ranking is completed by Natal and Foz do Iguaçu – proof that not everyone is looking for just fun and warmth, but also moments of contact with nature and adventure.
National Destination Ranking:
1st: Maceio and Porto Galinhas
2nd: Green Line of Bahia, with emphasis on Praia do Forte
3rd: Rio de Janeiro, Porto Seguro and Salvador
4th: Recife
5th. Christmas and Foz Iguaçu
International Destinations: Balance between leisure, culture and paradisiacal beaches.
Brazilians are also taking advantage of the long weekends to fulfill their dream of traveling abroad. Orlando leads the way in sales during Carnival, consolidating itself as the favorite option for families and theme park lovers. In second place, Buenos Aires maintains its strength, attracting visitors with its rich cuisine and culture. Third place is shared between Punta Cana and Paris, two opposite but equally desired experiences: while some want to relax in all-inclusive resorts, others dream of classic European charm. Next come the Mexican Caribbean, Rome and Santiago, reinforcing the diversity between history, nature and beaches. Portugal completes the ranking, consolidating itself as a destination loved by Brazilians for its culture, cuisine and welcoming atmosphere.
International Destination Ranking:
1st: Orlando
2nd: Argentina - Buenos Aires
3rd: Punta Cana and Paris
4th: Mexican Caribbean, Rome - Italy and Santiago - Chile
5th: Portugal
While domestic destinations are dominated by the coast of the Brazilian Northeast, combining parties, fun, beaches and heat, international travel presents a more diverse profile. The sales ranking reflects this plurality, with tourists balancing experiences between leisure, culture and gastronomy in iconic cities, while others prioritize comfort, nature and paradisiacal beaches in the Caribbean.
"Carnival continues to be one of the most important periods for tourism. In addition to the 20% growth in sales that shows the sector's growth, we are seeing a diverse scenario, with increasingly personalized trips and with the experience at the core, meeting different traveler profiles and their individual expectations," highlights Marina Figueiredo, CEO of Braztoa. She adds that this demand reflects the profile of the Brazilian traveler who is increasingly dynamic and attentive to specific experiences. In addition to destinations, travelers value and prioritize unique and personalized experiences throughout their trip. "This movement is in line with what we identified in Olhar Braztoa 2025, a recently released study that points to trips and experiences on the rise for this year, in addition to emerging opportunities in the sector. Many of these bets are already consolidating in the best-selling destinations for Carnival," adds Marina.
Source: Braztoa.