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Brazil has just won the title of the number one destination for foreign tourists, with Argentines leading the ranking! The increase in visitors drives the economy of several cities and creates thousands of jobs, especially in sectors like tourism and food.
Brazil is experiencing an unprecedented moment regarding foreign tourism. According to data from the Federal Police (PF), the flow of tourists in Uruguaiana, one of the main entry points in Rio Grande do Sul, recorded impressive numbers between January 1 and January 22, 2025.
There were 396,452 tourists, with 385,000 of them being Argentines. The volume of visitors exceeded expectations, with an increase of over 50% compared to previous years, when the projected growth was 40%.
This sharp increase reflects a scenario of greater international movement in various regions of Brazil, driven mainly by the demand from tourists in Latin America, who seek destinations like Santa Catarina and other beaches in the south of the country.
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The Economic Impact of Tourism for Brazil
This growth is not just good news for the tourism sector; it brings a direct and significant impact on various spheres of the economy.
According to the chief economist of Fecomércio-RS, Patrícia Palermo, the stability and appreciation of the Argentine peso against the real has been one of the factors motivating many Argentines to choose Brazil, especially Rio Grande do Sul, as a destination.
“For them, enjoying vacations on the beaches of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina has been much cheaper than traveling to other destinations”, explains the economist.
This movement has contributed to the expansion of local businesses, such as guesthouses, bars, restaurants, and shops, in addition to generating demand for temporary jobs, which are a recurring characteristic of this peak season.
Job Creation and Movement in the Service Sector
The increase in the number of foreign tourists has generated a strong impact on the job market, especially in the tourism sector.
The National Confederation of Commerce of Goods, Services, and Tourism (CNC) predicts that between October 2024 and January 2025, the number of temporary job vacancies in the tourism sector will reach 76,500, surpassing the figures from previous years.
This increase is driven mainly by the high demand for services in the food, transportation, and accommodation sectors, which absorb most of the new hires.
The average entry salary is expected to reach R$ 1,842, a real increase of 1.9% compared to last year.
Small Businesses as Pillars of the Local Economy
In addition to the large tourist centers, small businesses play a crucial role in boosting economic activity.
Family-run guesthouses, local restaurants, tourist transportation, and even artisans have directly benefited from the presence of tourists.
For the president of Sebrae Nacional, Décio Lima, this growth in tourism has been fundamental in boosting regional economies and promoting social inclusion.
The expansion of the market has also generated a growing demand for skilled labor.
“In some regions, we are already seeing the need for professionals who speak another language, mainly due to the increase in foreign tourists, which highlights the importance of professional training”, states Paulo Solmucci, executive president of Abrasel.
The Importance of Foreign Tourism in Brazil
The interest of foreigners in visiting Brazil is not a new phenomenon. In 2023, nearly 6 million international visitors passed through Brazil, representing an increase of 62.7% compared to the previous year.
Among the most present nationalities, Argentines continue to lead, followed by Americans, Chileans, Paraguayans, and Uruguayans.
This movement has been a constant over the past few years and is expected to grow even more in the coming years, especially with the increase in direct flight options between Brazil and Argentina.
Entry Points and Destinations for Tourists
The numbers from 2024 also reflect Brazil’s success as a tourist destination.
São Paulo was the main destination, welcoming 2,207,015 tourists, followed by Rio de Janeiro with 1,513,235, and of course, Rio Grande do Sul, which ranked fourth with 879,412 visitors.
Two out of three international tourists arriving in Brazil used air transportation, while land transportation represented 28.7% of arrivals.
The Growing Demand and Its Reflection on Car Rental Companies
With the increase in the number of tourists, car rental companies also experienced significant growth.
Foreign tourists are responsible for 10% to 20% of leisure car rentals in Brazil, and for this summer, the expectation is that this demand will grow even further.
According to the Brazilian Association of Car Rental Companies (ABLA), the forecast is that the demand for vehicle rentals will increase by 15% compared to last year.
The Impact of Tourism in Brazil and the Expectation for the Future
The phenomenon of the increase in foreign tourism, especially from Argentina, has a profound impact not only on tourism but also on local economies, with job creation and movement in various sectors.
Brazil, with its varied tourist destinations and relatively low costs, is established as a favored destination for international travelers.
And you, what do you think? Will Brazil continue to be the number one destination for foreign tourists in the coming years? Share your opinion in the comments!
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