Historic milestone! Brazil leads international tourism in South America, according to UN Tourism

Brazilian tourism is experiencing a historic moment. According to UN Tourism, in 2024 Brazil became, for the first time, the absolute leader among South American destinations receiving international visitors, surpassing Argentina. In the regional ranking for the Americas, the country now appears in 5th place, behind only the United States, Mexico, Canada, and the Dominican Republic.

In total, 6.77 million international visitors chose Brazil last year to enjoy experiences that go far beyond vacations: contact with the planet’s greatest biodiversity, warm hospitality, a cuisine rich in flavors, and a vibrant culture that transforms every trip into an unforgettable memory.

This milestone has paved the way for an even more promising 2025. From January to July, 5.9 million foreign tourists arrived in Brazil. This is the highest volume ever recorded for the period, representing a 47.5% increase compared to the previous year. In the first quarter alone, the country achieved the world’s second-best performance in growth of arrivals.

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE BRAZIL
From the lush trails of the Brazilian Amazon to the vast wetlands of the Pantanal, Brazil offers some of the most breathtaking natural experiences in the world. Along the country’s sun-drenched Northeastern coast, travelers can discover pristine beaches framed by turquoise waters, while in historic cities such as Salvador, vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture and colonial architecture tell centuries-old stories. To complete the journey, no visit to Brazil would be complete without exploring the iconic city of Rio de Janeiro, where world-famous landmarks, golden beaches, and a lively spirit make it one of the most celebrated destinations on the planet.

TOURISM: A DRIVER OF THE BRAZILIAN ECONOMY
The impact goes far beyond visitor numbers. In just the first seven months of 2025, international tourists injected US$ 4.9 billion into Brazil’s economy—13% more than in the same period of 2024. Today, tourism already represents 8% of Brazil’s GDP, standing alongside other strategic sectors. The volume of revenue transforms tourism into a concrete opportunity for development, generating jobs, expanding income, and strengthening small and medium-sized businesses in every region of the country.

“These results prove that we are reinforcing our position as a tourism powerhouse and as a driver of economic and social development. We are growing far beyond the global average, and this is the result of continuous international promotion work carried out with strategy, data intelligence, and passion. Each tourist fuels the economy, strengthens culture, and creates new business opportunities. It’s good for those who visit us and for those who live here. We are now reaping the rewards of a country that enchants the world,” highlighted Embratur’s president, Marcelo Freixo.

EXPANDING AIR CONNECTIVITY
One of the pillars sustaining this growth is air connectivity. In 2025, Brazil recorded a 16.3% increase in the number of international flights, with 75,130 scheduled operations compared to 64,620 in 2024. Work is underway to establish 30 new routes, many of them the result of partnerships and investments in international promotion. A success story is the Chilean market: following targeted promotional strategies, Chile has become the second-largest source of visitors to Brazil, behind only Argentina.

In addition to new routes, the consolidation of strategic hubs is expanding access to different regions of the country. Brasília stands out in this scenario: located in the heart of Brazil, the federal capital quickly connects international tourists to the Northeast, the Amazon, the South, and the Southeast, reinforcing its role as one of the country’s most important airports for national tourism integration.

WHO VISITS BRAZIL THE MOST?
South America remains the main source market, with 3.7 million visitors in 2025. More than 2.5 million came from Argentina alone, followed by Chile (495,000), Uruguay (342,000), and Paraguay (341,000). Beyond the region, the United States sent 465,000 tourists up to July, while Europe contributed 532,000 travelers, with France, Portugal, Germany, and the United Kingdom standing out.

THE FUTURE IS NOW
All these advances are reflected in the goals of the National Tourism Plan (PNT) 2024–2027. Current numbers already represent 77.3% of the projected 6.9 million visitors for 2025. If the trend continues, Brazil will not only surpass the 8.1 million target set for 2027 but may also reach the historic milestone of 10 million international tourists this very year.

More than just a number, this achievement symbolizes millions of people experiencing what only Brazil can offer: paradisiacal beaches, tropical forests, vibrant cities, popular festivals, authentic flavors, and the contagious joy of a people who welcome every visitor with open arms.