Brazil is experiencing a real leap forward in international tourism in 2025, with a record increase of nearly 50% in foreign arrivals during the first months of the year.
A remarkable surge in tourist arrivals
Between January and May 2025, the country welcomed around 4.8 million international tourists, an increase of 49.7% compared to the same period in 2024 (3.2 million). These figures, published by the Ministry of Tourism, Embratur and the Federal Police, mark a record for this period.
By comparison, the UNWTO estimates global tourism growth between 3% and 5% this year, placing Brazil well above the trend.
Rio de Janeiro in the spotlight
The city of Rio de Janeiro particularly stood out: it hosted over one million tourists between January and May. In May alone, the increase reached 52.3%. Among the highlights, Lady Gaga’s concert on Copacabana beach drew more than 130,000 additional visitors, strengthening the city’s international appeal.
Annual targets almost reached
The 2024–2027 National Tourism Plan projected 6.9 million international arrivals for the year. With already 70% of this goal reached by the end of May, authorities now estimate the country could surpass 8 million foreign visitors in 2025.
Initiatives to sustain growth
This growth is not merely circumstantial: it is supported by structural programs. These include the creation of thematic routes (such as the Samba Route or the Literary Route), the “Brasil Festivo” program, and digital partnerships with Google and TikTok to promote tourism among small and medium-sized businesses.
Alagoas, a state on the rise
Beyond major metropolises like Rio, states such as Alagoas, located in the Northeast, are also benefiting from this boom.
According to IBGE and the Ministry of Tourism, Alagoas welcomed 314,000 domestic trips in 2023, a 35% increase compared to 2021. These stays generated nearly 1.16 billion reais in economic impact.
The state’s top destinations, Maceió and Maragogi, confirm their attractiveness, ranking 6th and 16th among the most searched-for destinations in Brazil in 2025.
At the same time, air connections are strengthening: airline Flybondi launched several direct flights from Córdoba (Argentina) to Maceió, injecting millions of reais into the local economy and attracting thousands of foreign visitors.
Thus, Brazil’s tourism growth is not limited to its iconic capitals: emerging destinations like Alagoas, with their beaches, culture, and improved accessibility, are winning over more and more travelers.
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