Sao Paulo Skyline - BrazilInternational tourism in Brazil continues to grow strongly. Between January and July 2025, the country welcomed 5,952,254 foreign tourists, a historic record that represents a 47.5% increase compared to the same period last year. This impressive number is equivalent to twice the entire population of the Federal District, currently estimated at 2,982,818 inhabitants.
In July alone, Brazil recorded 620,143 international arrivals, an increase of 41.9%, or 183,000 more tourists, compared to July 2024. This increase reflects the strengthening of the country's image as a tourist destination and the joint efforts to promote Brazil abroad.
According to Embratur's president Marcelo Freixo, these figures are the result of Embratur's work, carried out "with strategy, integrity, and passion". "Brazil today enchants the world, and this is not only good news for tourism; it is a victory for our people. Reaching nearly 6 million international tourists in just seven months is a direct result of the work we have done at Embratur to promote our destinations with strategy, integrity, and passion. Every tourist who chooses Brazil boosts the economy, generates jobs, stimulates local commerce, strengthens culture, and creates new business opportunities across the country. This growth is not by chance: it is the result of a public policy that understands tourism as a driver of development, inclusion, and appreciation of our diversity", he celebrated.
For Tourism Minister Celso Sabino, the figures reflect a shift in the sector's status. "Welcoming nearly 6 million foreign tourists in seven months is a historic achievement that shows that Brazil has returned to prominence on the international stage. This means more jobs, more income, and more opportunities for our people. The world is rediscovering Brazil, and we are prepared to welcome even more visitors", Sabino stated.
South America continues to lead the ranking for the main tourist sending countries to Brazil, with 3.7 million visitors, especially from Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The United States also stands out, with 465,192 American tourists visiting the country until July. From the European continent, 532,242 travellers have arrived in Brazil, with emphasis on France, Portugal, Germany, and the United Kingdom. In total, 109,299 British tourists have visited Brazil in the first seven months of 2025, in comparison to 90,976 tourists from the UK for the same period in 2024, an increase of 20.13%.
These data reinforce the potential of tourism as a driver of economic development, job creation, and the appreciation of Brazilian diversity. This positive performance is a result of the promotional strategies adopted by the federal government, with actions aimed at expanding air connectivity, strengthening Brazil's image abroad, and investing in tourism infrastructure.
Gateways
São Paulo leads the way in receiving foreign tourists in 2025. The state welcomed 1,582,286 foreign visitors between January and July, solidifying its position as the main gateway for international tourism in Brazil. Rio de Janeiro is closely behind, with 1,324,515 arrivals, followed closely by Rio Grande do Sul, which secured third place with 1,256,132 tourists from abroad.
