Brazil is gearing up for a significant influx of international tourists during its renowned Carnival celebrations this February. Visit Brasil, the agency responsible for promoting Brazil as a tourist destination, projects a 22.6% increase in foreign arrivals compared to last year. This surge follows a record-breaking year in 2025, when 9,287,196 international tourists visited the country.
The anticipated growth is attributed to enhanced air connectivity, a diversified tourism offering, and a robust international promotional strategy. Marcelo Freixo, president of Visit Brasil, emphasised that the growth in international tourism is now a structural trend rather than sporadic. "The record for 2025 and the positive projection for Carnival show that Brazil is definitely on the radar of international tourists," he stated.
In 2025, foreign visitors contributed $7.865 billion (US$7.865 billion) to the Brazilian economy, marking a 7.1% increase from the previous year. Carnival, a vibrant celebration of Brazilian culture, is a major draw for tourists. Whilst Rio de Janeiro is globally recognised for its festivities, other regions like Salvador, Recife, Olinda, and Belo Horizonte also host significant celebrations.
The official Carnival period runs from 13 to 18 February, but pre-Carnival events have already begun, offering visitors a chance to experience local street parties and rehearsals. Embratur, the Brazilian Agency for International Tourism Promotion, continues to play a pivotal role in attracting international tourists, aiming to boost Brazil's social and economic development through tourism
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