Lilshira
Brazil tourism 2026 sees record spending and arrivals
Tourism spending and international arrivals rose across Brazil in 2026, with São Paulo leading in visitor numbers and the sector creating over 62,000 new formal jobs by August. The data cover the period up to September 2026 and affect both international and domestic travellers.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Tourism spending and international arrivals rise across Brazil in 2026
- Timing
- Data covers January to September 2026
- Who is affected
- International and domestic travellers visiting Brazilian states
The details
Overall tourism performance
Brazil recorded R$45.6 billion (US$8.38 billion) in international visitor spending from January to September 2026. More than 7 million foreign arrivals were logged by early October, marking a robust increase in the sector’s revenue stream.
- International visitor spending reached R$45.6 billion
- Over 7 million foreign arrivals by early October
Regional highlights
São Paulo remained the top gateway with 1.89 million foreign visitors from January to August, followed by Rio de Janeiro with 1.67 million. Southern states such as Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná and Santa Catarina benefited from road travel linked to neighboring Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.
- São Paulo: 1.89 million foreign visitors Jan‑Aug
- Rio de Janeiro: 1.67 million foreign visitors Jan‑Aug
- Southern border states saw strong road‑travel influx
Employment and domestic travel
By August 2026, Brazil employed 2.42 million people in formal tourism jobs, representing about 5 % of all formal employment. The sector added roughly 62 000 new jobs over the year, with restaurants and road‑transport companies being major recruiters. Domestic air traffic reached 76.8 million passengers between January and September.
- 2.42 million formal tourism workers by August
- Around 62 000 new tourism jobs created in the year
- 76.8 million domestic air passengers Jan‑Sep
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- No travel requirement changes; existing bookings can continue as planned
- Visitors can still use major airports in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro as primary entry points
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation requirements introduced for travellers
- Current visa and entry rules remain unchanged
What you need to do
- Monitor tourism updates for any future policy adjustments
- Check airline and accommodation availability if travelling during peak summer months
Who this affects
-
International visitors to São Paulo
São Paulo received 1.89 million foreign visitors Jan‑Aug 2026, the highest in Brazil
-
Domestic air passengers
76.8 million domestic flights were recorded Jan‑Sep 2026, showing high internal mobility
-
Border travelers to Southern Brazil
States like Rio Grande do Sul benefit from road arrivals from neighboring countries
Frequently asked questions
How many international visitors did São Paulo receive in 2026?
São Paulo received 1.89 million foreign visitors from January to August 2026, making it Brazil’s leading state for international arrivals during that period.
What was Brazil's international visitor spending in 2026?
International visitor spending in Brazil reached R$45.6 billion (about US$8.38 billion) between January and September 2026, according to the latest tourism data.
Which Brazilian state saw the highest growth in international arrivals?
São Paulo led with the highest number of arrivals, but the Northeast states such as Pernambuco and Alagoas recorded the strongest percentage growth, with Pernambuco more than doubling its early‑year arrivals compared with 2025.
How many formal tourism jobs existed in Brazil by August 2026?
By August 2026 Brazil employed 2.42 million people in formal tourism jobs, accounting for roughly 5 % of all formal employment in the country.
What was the volume of domestic air passengers in Brazil in 2026?
Domestic air travel recorded 76.8 million passengers between January and September 2026, reflecting strong internal mobility across the nation.
