Brazilian tourism is set to experience significant growth this summer, with projections indicating 59 million Brazilians planning to travel between December 2024 and February 2025. This figure, released by the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism and supported by data from Nexus Pesquisa e Inteligência de Dados, accounts for approximately 35% of the nation's population and points to substantial economic activity, with estimated spending of R$ 148.3 billion.
The expected expenditure marks a notable increase from last year, with tourists this year projected to spend, on average, R$ 2,514 each—34% more than the R$ 1,877 average spent during the previous summer. Such growth reflects improving economic conditions and shifting consumer behavior as travelers prioritize vacations.
The survey highlights domestic tourism as the primary choice, with 97% of respondents opting to explore destinations within Brazil. Beaches continue to dominate as the favored destination, chosen by 54% of participants, significantly outpacing other attractions such as nature/ecotourism (10%), adventure travel and wellness activities (both at 5%), and rural or cultural sites (both at 4%). Nightlife and gastronomy are less prioritized, drawing attention from only 3% and 2%, respectively.
Among the states expecting to attract the most visitors, Bahia leads the list, chosen by 16% of respondents, followed closely by São Paulo at 15% and Rio de Janeiro at 14%. Notably, other regions like Paraíba and Sergipe have seen increases from 2% to 7% and 1% to 4% respectively, reflecting changing travel patterns and growing interest beyond traditional hotspots.
Celso Sabino, the Minister of Tourism, remarked, "The Brazilian tourism sector is currently experiencing strong results, and the summer season will be pivotal for making 2025 even more prosperous. This research aids both in identifying which destinations will attract more tourists during peak season and pinpointing potentials to be developed. Brazilians continue to value the natural beauty of the country and plan to spend more time on vacation, boosting the economy of individual states."
Transportation choices reveal the preference for personal vehicles, used by 40% of travelers, followed by buses at 28% and airplanes at 27%. Despite 55% of those choosing air travel not yet having purchased tickets by October, the surge indicates confidence in summer travel plans. The average duration of trips is estimated at 12 days.
Accommodation preferences vary, with nearly half (47%) opting to stay with friends and family, 25% choosing hotels, and 17% opting for inns. Alternative lodging choices such as Airbnb, resorts, and hostels gain some traction, indicating diverse preferences across demographics.
While nearly half of travelers are enthusiastic about their plans, many residents will remain at home this summer. Among those not traveling, 44% cite financial constraints as the leading reason, followed by high travel costs (17%) and lack of planning (15%). Health concerns, insecurity, and logistical issues such as traffic and overcrowding also hinder travel for others, indicating challenges for the broader community.
To meet the rising demand, the Ministry of Tourism has announced plans to increase domestic flights. This coming summer, approximately 184,000 flights are scheduled, which is 17,800 more than the previous year—a notable increase of 10.7%. This surge is aimed at accommodating the anticipated 29.8 million seats available, bolstering accessibility and convenience for travelers.
This ramp-up is part of the Conheça o Brasil Voando initiative, which seeks to partner with airlines to expand tourism access. It is indicative of the government's commitment to strengthening Brazil's internal tourism infrastructure and enhancing its appeal as a vacation destination.
The effects of these tourism trends are expected to reverberate through the economy, contributing to regional growth as local businesses benefit from increased visitor spending. With the Ministry of Tourism's comprehensive analysis and proactive measures, this summer is shaping up to be transformative for the Brazilian tourism industry.
With all eyes on this upcoming season, it is clear: Brazilians are eager to embrace their country’s offerings. The upward trend of domestic travel not only strengthens personal connections among families and friends but also boosts local economies across the nation. This time for summer travel looks bright, and planning is well underway to meet the needs of this passionate traveler base.
