Brazil Sees 9.2% Rise in Foreign Tourist Spending and Expands Bilateral Tourism Partnerships in 2026

Brazil has reported a significant increase in foreign tourist spending during the first four months of 2026, reaching R$ 20.2 billion, a 9.2% rise compared to the same period last year when spending was R$ 18.5 billion. Specifically, April 2026 saw international tourists injecting R$ 4.19 billion into the economy, marking a 1.2% increase from April 2025. This growth underscores the strengthening impact of tourism on Brazil's economy, as highlighted by Tourism Minister Gustavo Feliciano, who noted, “Brazilian tourism is experiencing a special moment, with positive statistics across all segments.”

Minister Feliciano is actively working to expand Brazil's appeal to foreign visitors, particularly focusing on the Chinese market. During his recent visit to China, he engaged in negotiations with China Eastern airline to establish new routes between the countries and proposed collaborations to increase Brazil’s visibility on travel platforms such as CTrip, a leading travel digital platform, especially following the recent visa waiver agreement between Brazil and China. Feliciano also connected with the China Travel Agencies Association to facilitate partnerships promoting Brazilian destinations to Chinese tourists.

Meanwhile, Brazil is fostering tourism cooperation with neighboring Suriname. On October 26, Brazilian Tourism Minister Fernanda Norat met with Suriname's Minister of Transport, Communication and Tourism, Raymond Landveld, to discuss a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at boosting tourism exchange. This initiative supports stronger regional ties and cooperation based on their shared Amazonian heritage; Brazil contains roughly 60% of the Amazon rainforest, while Suriname is largely covered by it.

Significant growth was also noted in Surinamese tourist arrivals in Brazil, increasing by 30.6% in the first four months of 2026, with January alone rising by 46%. Pará state serves as the main entry point for Surinamese visitors. Discussions between the two countries included increasing flight frequencies, particularly for the route connecting Paramaribo and Belém. During talks, Suriname expressed interest in Brazil’s tourism financing mechanisms, leading to the presentation of the General Tourism Fund (Fungetur), which finances tourism projects and businesses.

These developments reflect Brazil's strategic push to expand its tourism sector through international partnerships and enhanced connectivity, fueling economic gains and regional cooperation in 2026.