The marked improvement in the Brazilian economy is making waves beyond the confines of Brazil itself. Overseas destinations popular with Brazilian holidaymakers are also benefitting from the uptick. Orlando is one of them – the busiest tourist spot in the US has just declared that “Brazil is back” and is looking forward to a 30% increase in Brazilian tourism this year.
More flights from Brazil
This year the number of flights between Brazil and Orlando will go up considerably. Several Brazilian airlines are implementing new routes between the two as well as offering new destinations within Brazil to connect with Orlando.
One of these cities is Fortaleza where the airport is currently undergoing expansion in preparation for the Air France-KLM flight hub operating from May this year. In July, LATAM will operate a weekly flight from Fortaleza to Orlando and in November, GOL Airlines will follow suite. Azul and Delta are also including Orlando on their Brazilian flight routes this year.
Orlando International Airport receives over 44.6 million passengers a year and ranks as the busiest in the Sunshine State. It’s also the third busiest in the US.
Orlando expects 30% more
The home of American theme parks has big expectations from Brazilian tourism this year. Orlando is perennially popular with holidaymakers from Brazil and they make up the third largest group of tourists after the UK and Canada. However, in recent years visitor figures have experienced a drop.
2018 looks set to see a complete reversal of the trend. According to the CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Phil Brown, scheduled seats between Brazil and Orlando this year will total 486,000. The number represents a hike of more than 30% on the figure for 2016, the previous record, when 361,000 tickets were sold. “Brazil is back!” Brown said at the press conference announcing the figures.
Brazilian tourism brings big impact
The expected increase in Brazilian tourism in Orlando will have a massive knock-on effect on the city and area. “This resurgence from our third largest international market brings a welcomed boost to the local economy,” said Brown.
Based on the forecast seat sales and predicted visitor numbers, analysts believe that the total economic impact in Orlando will reach almost US$1 billion. This represents a 111% increase on 2013.
The effects will be noticeable across the board from the tourist industry itself to the real estate sector. Brazilians show strong interest in property in Florida with Orlando and Miami two of the most popular metro areas.
In the Brazilian cities offering flights to Orlando, analysts expect something of a reciprocal effect. The current favourable exchange rate between the dollar and real makes Brazil a relatively cheap destination for American tourists. It’s therefore highly likely that Brazilian tourism will also see considerable benefits from the multiple new connections with Orlando.
(Source: Florida Politics)
