Brazil sets new visitor arrival records

FDI high performance

According to Brazil’s Central Bank (Bacen), the tourism sector drew USD81 million in foreign direct investments in Q1 2025—an 88% increase from $43 million during the same quarter in 2024. The bulk of this investment targeted transportation ($63 million) and culture and leisure ($13 million).

In 2024, Brazil’s tourism sector attracted $360 million in foreign investments, a 40% rise compared to the $257 million received in 2023. Overall, between 2023 and 2024, the country amassed $617 million in tourism-related foreign currency earnings.

Brazil also ranked as the world’s second-largest recipient of FDI in 2024, after the United States, securing approximately USD70 billion in total investments.

Surging Visitor Numbers

The surge in investments has coincided with a strong rebound in tourism flows. Between January and May 2025, international arrivals to Rio de Janeiro rose by 52.3%, compared to the same period in 2024. The city welcomed 1,032,537 foreign tourists, including 130,546 in May alone—a month that saw a spike in visitors due to Lady Gaga’s massive Copacabana beach concert. That month’s numbers represented a 55.2% increase compared to May 2024.

Nationwide, Brazil received a record 4,887,229 international tourists between January and May 2025—an all-time high for the period and a 49.7% increase from the first five months of 2024.

Embratur President Marcelo Freixo hailed the figures as historic. “Brazilian tourism is experiencing a globally unprecedented moment. In 2025, international tourist arrivals are growing by 50%, while UN Tourism forecasts global growth of just 3% to 5%.”

He credited strategic efforts to attract international flights and promote Brazil abroad. “We’re seeing more tourists than ever before, and they are exploring a more diverse range of destinations, which helps drive regional development and job creation.”

Tourism accounts for about 8% of Brazil’s GDP. Forecasts suggest the sector could contribute $616 billion to Latin America’s economy by 2034, generating 25.61 million jobs across the region. With its extraordinary biodiversity, diverse tourism offerings, good accessibility, renowned hospitality, and rich culture, Brazil is cementing its reputation as a world-class destination.