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Government Data Reveal That São Paulo Was the State That Received the Most International Tourists in 2025, Surpassing Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande do Sul.
São Paulo was the state that received the most international tourists in Brazil in 2025, according to official data released by the Federal Government. The survey, based on records from the Federal Police and compiled by the Ministry of Tourism, shows that the state surpassed traditional destinations such as Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande do Sul.
The result reinforces São Paulo’s strategic role as the main entry point for foreign visitors into the country.
The leadership of São Paulo stands out because it is not directly linked to beach tourism but rather to factors such as infrastructure, air connectivity, and diversity of urban experiences.
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How Many Tourists Passed Through São Paulo in 2025?
According to official data, São Paulo received approximately 2.75 million international tourists throughout 2025.
This number placed the state in first place in the national ranking, consolidating its position as the largest receiver of visitors from abroad.
The intense flow of tourists highlights the importance of the state in the Brazilian tourist scene, especially as an entry point for those visiting the country for the first time.
Rio de Janeiro and Sul Follow in Sequence
In second place in the ranking is Rio de Janeiro, which recorded around 2.19 million international tourists in the same period.
The state maintains a strong global appeal, driven by its beaches, iconic landscapes, and cultural events.
Immediately after, Rio Grande do Sul came in third, with approximately 1.53 million foreign tourists, a number mainly influenced by its proximity to South American countries.
Why Does São Paulo Attract So Many Tourists?
The leadership of São Paulo among foreign tourists is directly related to its transportation infrastructure.
The state houses Brazil’s largest international airports, such as Guarulhos, which handles a significant portion of flights from abroad.
Moreover, São Paulo stands out in business tourism, international fairs, conferences, and corporate events, attracting visitors who combine professional commitments with leisure.
Another factor that explains the high number of tourists in São Paulo is the diversity of experiences offered.
The capital city features world-renowned gastronomy, museums, cultural centers, vibrant nightlife, and shopping options.
Meanwhile, the interior of the state also contributes to tourism, with destinations focused on ecotourism, rural tourism, and historical cities, extending visitors’ length of stay.
Impact of Tourists on São Paulo’s Economy
The arrival of millions of international tourists strongly boosts the São Paulo economy. Sectors such as hospitality, food, transportation, and commerce directly benefit from the increased flow of visitors.
Additionally, tourism generates direct and indirect jobs, strengthening the local economy and increasing state revenue.
Government figures show that Brazil remains a relevant destination on the international scene.
The distribution of tourists among different states indicates that the country offers varied options, capable of meeting different traveler profiles.
In this context, São Paulo consolidates itself not only as a final destination but also as a strategic connection point for tourists traveling to other regions of the country.
What Do the Data Indicate for the Coming Years?
With São Paulo leading the entry of tourists and states like Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande do Sul maintaining a strong presence, the expectation is for continued growth in international tourism in Brazil.
Investments in infrastructure, international promotion, and qualification of tourism services should further increase the number of visitors in the coming years, strengthening the sector throughout the country.
Source: FDR
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