Brazil Sets Tourism Record with Over 9 Million International Visitors in 2025
In 2025, Brazil welcomed over 9 million international tourists, setting a new record and boosting its economy through increased revenue, infrastructure investment, and job creation.
- • Brazil received over 9 million international tourists in 2025, exceeding 2024 records.
- • Argentina was the top source, providing 3.1 million visitors, followed by Chile and the United States.
- • Tourism revenue grew to $7.17 billion from January to November 2025.
- • More than 270 infrastructure projects were completed, with R$ 360 million invested.
- • The sector created 90,000 new formal jobs, totaling 1.5 million positions nationwide.
Key details
Brazil has marked a historic milestone in international tourism by welcoming over 9 million foreign visitors in 2025, surpassing the previous record of 6.7 million in 2024. This 30% increase over initial projections reflects a strong return of Brazil to the global tourism map, boosted by strategic government efforts and international promotional campaigns.
Argentina led as the largest source of tourists with 3.1 million visitors, representing an 82.1% increase from 2024, followed by Chile and the United States. São Paulo was the top state for international arrivals with nearly 2.5 million visitors, with Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande do Sul also ranking highly. The surge supported significant economic benefits, as tourism revenue reached $7.17 billion between January and November 2025, an 8.41% rise year-on-year.
More than 270 infrastructure projects enhancing tourist facilities were completed with investments exceeding R$ 360 million, improving the overall visitor experience. The sector also contributed to job creation, adding around 90,000 formal jobs, totaling 1.5 million tourism-related positions nationwide. The hosting of COP30 further strengthened Brazil’s image as a leader in sustainable tourism, highlighting diverse attractions ranging from urban centers to ecotourism destinations like the Amazon and Pantanal.
University of São Paulo expert Professor Luiz Gonzaga Godoi Trigo credited favorable exchange rates, large-scale events like international concerts, and ongoing cultural revivals for the tourism boom. However, he pointed out the need for Brazil to enhance security, streamline bureaucracy, and improve public transport to better compete globally. Expanding direct flight connections from Europe and the U.S. is also considered key to sustaining growth.
The achievement was celebrated on December 19 in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, with Embratur’s president Marcelo Freixo praising it as a "demonstration of global confidence in Brazil as a travel destination" and underscoring the successful collaboration between the public and private sectors. These developments underscore Brazil's commitment to making tourism a central pillar of its national development strategy moving forward.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
