For the first time in its history, Brazil has hosted six million tourists. That record-breaking number eclipses the 5.7 million tourists who visited Brazil in 2012.
The rising number of tourists is primarily due to Brazil being the location of a series of events that attracted visitors from around the world. In 2013, tourists traveled to Brazil to participate in the World Youth Day event and watch the Confederations Cup.
According to Flavio Dino, chairman of the Brazilian Tourism Institute, Brazil is on track to break the seven million mark in 2014. That’s because the country is hosting major international events over the next few years. Tourists from around the world will be converging on Brazil in 2014 to attend the FIFA World Cup and again in 2016 for the Olympics and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are by far the two most visited cities in Brazil for both leisure and business travelers. While a major attraction continues to be the culture and beauty of the country, there is no doubt about the positive impact of hosting international events.
In 2013, tourists helped grow Brazil’s economy by spending an estimated US$6.6 to US$7.7 billion. Spending by tourists in 2014 could reach a high of US$9.2 according to the Brazilian Tourism Institute. To stimulate further economic growth, Brazil is investing in infrastructure to support more tourists by awarding airport concessions to private companies and supporting the expansion of a hotel network.
While six million tourists is a high mark for Brazil, the country has a long way to go to catch up with the world leaders in tourism. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, in 2012 France was the leading destination for tourists with 83 million foreign visitors.
The United States ranked second with 67 million, followed by China with 57.7 million, Spain with 57.7 million, Italy with 46.4 million, Turkey with 35.7 million, Germany with 30.4 million, the United Kingdom with 29.3 million, Russia with 25.7 million, and Malaysia with 25 million.
As Brazil continues to claim its position on the world stage, the country can expect its popularity among foreigners to continue to rise.
