Famous for its Carnival, samba, Amazon rainforest, and breathtaking beaches, Brazil is one of the most vibrant destinations in the world.
In 2024, the country welcomed 6.9 million international visitors, a sharp recovery from pandemic lows and one of the highest totals in Latin America.
With Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Foz do Iguaçu leading arrivals, Brazil’s tourism industry is again becoming a key pillar of its economy — worth billions annually and supporting millions of jobs.
Key stats: Brazil Tourism
- ~6.65 million international visitors in 2024 – Brazil hit a new record for foreign arrivals.
- Foreign tourists spent US $7.34 billion in 2024, the highest figure on record.
- The broader travel & tourism sector boosted Brazil’s economy with nearly US $167 billion to GDP in 2024.
- International visitor spending grew ~11%, while domestic tourism spending topped US $112 billion.
- Brazil is aiming high: ~8 million international tourists projected in 2025, beating its own targets.
- In February 2025 alone, Brazil welcomed ~1.3 million foreign travellers, up ~59% year-on-year.
- Argentina leads as a source market: about 1.95 million Argentine visitors came in 2024.
How Many Tourists Visit Brazil Each Year?
In 2024, Brazil received 6.9 million international visitors, according to Embratur (the Brazilian Tourism Agency).
- 2019 (pre-pandemic): 6.35M
- 2020: 0.9M
- 2021: 0.7M
- 2022: 3.6M
- 2023: 5.9M
- 2024: 6.9M
Brazil’s visitor volume has now surpassed pre-pandemic levels and is expected to exceed 7.5 million arrivals in 2025.
How Many Tourists Visit Brazil Each Day?
Brazil welcomed an average of ~18,900 international visitors per day in 2024.
That number spikes to more than 40,000 per day during Carnival season in Rio and Salvador.
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Brazil?
International tourists spent about USD 6.9 billion in Brazil in 2024 — a record for the decade.
- Tourism revenue (2023): USD 6.8B
- Tourism revenue (2024): USD 6.9B (+14% YoY)
- Forecast 2025: USD 7.5B+
Tourism accounts for roughly 7.8% of Brazil’s total employment and 8.1% of GDP when including indirect contributions (WTTC, 2024).
Which Countries Visit Brazil the Most?
Most international tourists come from Latin America, followed by Europe and North America.
| Country | Visitors (2024 est.) | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇷 Argentina | ~1.8M | ~26% |
| 🇺🇸 United States | ~650K | ~9% |
| 🇨🇱 Chile | ~550K | ~8% |
| 🇵🇾 Paraguay | ~490K | ~7% |
| 🇫🇷 France | ~340K | ~5% |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ~310K | ~4% |
| 🇺🇾 Uruguay | ~280K | ~4% |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | ~260K | ~4% |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ~230K | ~3% |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | ~210K | ~3% |
What Are the Most Visited Cities in Brazil?
Tourists concentrate around Brazil’s iconic coasts and cultural hubs.
| City | Annual Visitors (2024 est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rio de Janeiro | ~2.9M | Carnival, beaches, Christ the Redeemer |
| São Paulo | ~2.3M | Business & cultural center |
| Foz do Iguaçu | ~1.5M | Iguazu Falls |
| Florianópolis | ~800K | Surfing, beaches |
| Salvador da Bahia | ~750K | Carnival, Afro-Brazilian culture |
| Recife | ~500K | Pernambuco coast |
| Brasília | ~420K | Modernist architecture |
| Fortaleza | ~400K | Resorts, northeast beaches |
| Manaus | ~300K | Gateway to Amazon |
| Belo Horizonte | ~250K | Culinary tourism |
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Brazil?
From world wonders to natural marvels, Brazil’s landmarks attract millions each year.
| Attraction | Annual Visitors (est.) | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Christ the Redeemer (Rio) | ~2.3M | Iconic landmark |
| Sugarloaf Mountain (Rio) | ~1.8M | Cable car & views |
| Iguazu Falls (Foz do Iguaçu) | ~1.7M | UNESCO Natural Wonder |
| Copacabana & Ipanema Beaches | ~4M | Beaches |
| Amazon Rainforest tours | ~1M | Ecotourism |
| Maracanã Stadium | ~900K | Football fans |
| Pelourinho (Salvador) | ~700K | Historic district |
| Lençóis Maranhenses National Park | ~500K | Sand dunes & lagoons |
| Pantanal Wetlands | ~400K | Wildlife safaris |
| Fernando de Noronha | ~150K | Protected islands |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Brazil? (Seasonality)
Tourism peaks during the southern summer and Carnival.
| Season | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Dec–Mar) | High | Carnival, beach season |
| Autumn (Apr–Jun) | Moderate | Pleasant weather |
| Winter (Jul–Sep) | Moderate | Amazon & north coast trips |
| Spring (Oct–Nov) | Increasing | Festivals, ideal temperatures |
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to Brazil?
Brazil’s events are world-renowned — from Carnival to sports and cultural festivals.
| Event | Visitors (est.) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Rio de Janeiro Carnival | ~2.3M | Rio de Janeiro |
| Salvador Carnival | ~1.5M | Salvador |
| Parintins Folklore Festival | ~100K | Amazonas |
| Rock in Rio | ~700K | Rio de Janeiro |
| São Paulo Pride Parade | ~3M | São Paulo |
| New Year’s Eve Copacabana | ~2.5M | Rio de Janeiro |
| Oktoberfest Blumenau | ~600K | Santa Catarina |
| Festa Junina | ~500K | Nationwide |
| Rio Film Festival | ~200K | Rio de Janeiro |
| Lollapalooza Brazil | ~120K | São Paulo |
How Much Does Tourism Contribute to Brazil’s Economy?
Tourism contributes ~8% to Brazil’s GDP when considering direct and indirect impacts.
- Direct contribution (2024): ~3.4% of GDP
- Total impact (direct + indirect): ~8.1% of GDP
- Tourism employment: ~6.9 million jobs
- Total visitor receipts: USD 6.9B (2024)
Which Regions in Brazil Are Most Popular With Tourists?
Tourists explore a mix of beaches, rainforests, and cultural regions.
- Southeast (Rio, São Paulo): Business, culture, beaches
- Northeast (Bahia, Pernambuco): Carnival, coastal tourism
- South (Santa Catarina, Paraná): Nature, European heritage
- North (Amazonas, Pará): Ecotourism, indigenous culture
- Central-West (Brasília, Pantanal): Wildlife, modernism
FAQ – Brazil Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit Brazil in 2024?
About 6.9 million international visitors.
Which country visits Brazil the most?
Argentina, followed by the U.S. and Chile.
How much do tourists spend in Brazil?
USD 6.9 billion in 2024.
What is Brazil’s most visited attraction?
Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro (~2.3 million visitors).
When is the best time to visit Brazil?
Between December and March, during summer and Carnival.
How important is tourism to Brazil’s economy?
It accounts for about 8% of GDP and nearly 7 million jobs.
Sources
- Embratur (Brazilian Tourism Agency) — Official Tourism Data 2024–2025
- UNWTO — World Tourism Barometer 2025 – Latin America Section
- WTTC — Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2024: Brazil
- Ministry of Tourism, Brazil — Boletim de Desempenho do Turismo 2024
- Statista — Tourism in Brazil Statistics 2025
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