São Paulo tourism surges in early 2026, creates 11.2 thousand formal jobs and reinforces the sector's weight in the SP economy.

São Paulo tourism surges in early 2026, creates 11.2 thousand formal jobs and reinforces the sector’s weight in the SP economy.

Written by Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Published on 28/04/2026 at 18:35

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São Paulo tourism created 11,195 direct formal jobs in the first two months of 2026, a 21% increase over the same period in 2025, and reached 978.7 thousand formally registered workers, in a movement linked to the recovery of tourist flow, the expansion of the airline network, and the strengthening of regional destinations.

São Paulo tourism created 11,195 direct formal jobs in the first two months of 2026 and maintained its growth trajectory in the State of São Paulo. The result represents a 21% increase compared to the same period in 2025 and reinforces the sector’s importance in generating employment and income.

With the performance recorded at the beginning of the year, São Paulo tourism reached 978.7 thousand formally registered workers in activities directly linked to the sector. In the last 12 months, the growth reached 3.8%, keeping tourism among the main drivers of the state’s economy.

São Paulo tourism creates 11,195 formal jobs in the two-month period

The jobs created in the first two months of 2026 were counted by the Center for Tourism Economy Intelligence, CIET. The body is linked to the Secretariat of Tourism and Travel of the State of São Paulo, Setur-SP, which is responsible for monitoring the sector’s economic indicators.

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Growth accompanies the recovery of tourist flow

The sector’s expansion reflects the consistent recovery of tourist flow in São Paulo. Among the factors related to this performance are the expansion of the airline network, the strengthening of regional tourism, and the diversification of products and experiences offered in the state.

This movement involves everything from nature and countryside destinations to consolidated business and event hubs in the state capital. The combination of these segments expands the presence of São Paulo tourism on different fronts for attracting visitors and generating economic activity.

The Secretary of Tourism and Travel, Ana Biselli, stated that the numbers indicate a sustainable growth cycle. “The data shows that tourism continues to be a strategic vector for the São Paulo economy. We are talking about the generation of formal employment, income, and regional development, with a direct impact on people’s lives,” she said.

Structured destinations and qualification are part of the strategy

The state government’s actions are also linked to the sector’s consolidation. Ana Biselli highlighted the work of structuring destinations, professional qualification, and integrated promotion of the state as part of the actions aimed at gaining competitiveness.

“We have been working on structuring destinations, on professional qualification, and on the integrated promotion of the state, which increases São Paulo’s competitiveness on the national and international scene,” said the secretary. Her statement connects the growth of São Paulo tourism to the organization of tourism products and the preparation of the workforce.

The sector also has a significant multiplier effect on the economy. Tourism activities drive production chains such as accommodation, food, transportation, and commerce, expanding the economic reach of the jobs generated directly.

Focus on the interior helps decentralize growth

Initiatives focused on developing tourism in the interior of the state are part of the process of decentralizing growth. Thematic routes, such as wine tourism, rural tourism, and gastronomy, have contributed to bringing economic activity to different regions.

The promotion of these routes expands the range of experiences and strengthens destinations beyond the traditional hubs. In this scenario, São Paulo tourism gains momentum by combining business, events, nature, the countryside, and regional experiences into a single development strategy.

The trend indicated by CIET is a continuation of expansion throughout 2026. This movement accompanies the increase in demand for domestic travel and the consolidation of São Paulo as a tourist and business hub in the country.

With 11,195 new formal jobs in the two-month period, a 21% increase, and nearly 979,000 formally employed workers, São Paulo tourism ends the beginning of 2026 with positive numbers. The performance reinforces the sector’s role in generating income, regional development, and driving activities directly linked to the state’s economy.

With information from Agencia SP

São Paulo tourism surges in early 2026, creates 11.2 thousand formal jobs and reinforces the sector’s weight in the SP economy.

São Paulo tourism creates 11,195 formal jobs in the two-month period

Growth accompanies the recovery of tourist flow

Structured destinations and qualification are part of the strategy

Focus on the interior helps decentralize growth

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