Brazil's Corporate Travel Surges to R$9.75 Billion Amid Growing International Tourism

Brazil's corporate travel sector has set a new record, generating R$9.75 billion in revenue from January to August 2026, marking an 8.2% increase compared to the same period last year. The Brazilian Association of Corporate Travel Agencies (Abracorp) and Ministry of Tourism data reveal that August alone accounted for R$1.31 billion, an 8% rise over August 2025. The air transport segment led this growth, contributing R$5.83 billion, up 12% year-on-year, with August air transport revenue reaching R$798 million, a 10.5% increase.

Hotel services also saw a positive trend, generating R$2.88 billion, a 3.6% increase from 2025. The domestic travel market surpassed 68 million passengers for the first eight months, with a record 8.93 million domestic travelers in August. Meanwhile, international tourism flourished, welcoming 6.45 million tourists during the same period—the highest inflow since 2009—with August hosting 576,200 foreign visitors. These international tourists spent R$33.6 billion between January and July.

The surge in corporate travel supports a broader economic recovery benefiting diverse industries beyond airlines and hotels, including event management, catering, and transportation.

Further fostering growth in Brazil’s tourism sector, the upcoming ABAV Expo 2026, from September 30 to October 2 in São Paulo, aims to amplify international business connections. Highlighting this is the ABAV Buyers Club, which includes 30 international buyers from 13 strategic markets such as the USA, Spain, and China, along with 20 national Destination Management Companies. These buyers will participate in pre-event familiarization tours to explore São Paulo's attractions and engage in dedicated networking opportunities during the Expo. With an expected attendance of 40,000 participants and over 2,000 exhibitors, the event is Brazil's largest tourism fair and a key platform to internationalize the trade.

Ana Carolina Medeiros, president of ABAV Nacional, stressed the Buyers Club’s role in enhancing Brazil’s global tourism presence, while Bruno Reis, president of Embratur, highlighted the program's potential to generate direct business engagements.

These developments underline Brazil’s growing stature as a dynamic hub for corporate travel and international tourism business in 2026.