Brazil is riding a remarkable wave of tourism growth. In the first five months of 2025, the country welcomed 4.8 million international tourists—a stunning 49.7 percent increase compared to the same January–May period in 2024, when just 3.2 million visitors arrived. May alone saw 461,341 tourists, marking a healthy 37.4 percent year-over-year increase

This surge isn’t just good news—it’s historic. The Ministry of Tourism, in partnership with Embratur and the Federal Police, reported that Brazil shattered long-standing records in both total volume and month-to-month growth  Notably, authorities project the country will finish the year with 8 million international arrivals, surpassing the National Tourism Plan target of 6.9 million.

What’s fueling the boom?
Embratur President Marcelo Freixo credits both Brazil’s renewed international image—thanks in part to foreign policy initiatives under President Lula—and strategic tourism campaigns, including expanded flight routes and targeted destination marketing . Tourism Minister Celso Sabino echoes the sentiment, emphasizing Brazil’s commitment to becoming a competition-ready, globally appealing destination.

A diversified visitor base
While Argentina remains Brazil’s largest tourist feeder (2.2 million visitors, +96.8 percent), other key countries like Chile, the U.S., Paraguay, and Uruguay have also sent growing numbers of travelers .

Why it matters
This tourism upswing brings serious economic benefits—from revenue and job creation to infrastructural investments. It also reinforces regional development, dispersing tourism dollars beyond just Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. For travelers, the message is clear: now is the moment to explore Brazil’s vast cultural, culinary, natural, and urban wealth.

Brazil’s tourism trajectory is nothing short of phenomenal. With record-breaking year-over-year growth and strategic planning, the nation stands poised to redefine itself as a top global destination—offering something exciting for every traveler.