2023 is turning out to be one of the best years on record for Brazil tourism. Revenue for the sector has just registered its highest levels since 2015, and employment within tourist activities is booming. In addition, over 7.3 million passengers flew in May, well ahead of pre-pandemic figures and the most for the last eight years.
Revenue from Brazil tourism highest since 2015
According to the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism, the sector reaped R$73 billion between January and April this year. The figure equates to 15.8% more than the same period in 2022 and represents the highest for the first four months of the year since 2015.
Air travel led revenue for tourism, with an income of R$5.6 billion. Cultural, recreational and sporting activities brought R$1.3 billion to the sector. The figures for April show an 18.1% and 12.3% annual increase, respectively.
Business travel back
This sector of Brazil's tourism is literally back in business. Business travel grew by 29% in the first four months of the year. As a result, it was responsible for almost half (45%) of revenue for the period.
Analysts believe the sector should continue to enjoy a buoyant year, on the back of lower inflation and improvement in the job market.
“This promising prospect reflects not just the return of confidence among travellers, but also the commitment of those in the Brazilian tourism to their sector,” said Daniela Carneiro, Minister of Tourism.
Employment in tourism booming
In tune with record levels of revenue, employment in the tourism sector also rose between January and May. According to the latest statistics, tourism generated 83,900 jobs in the five-month period.
May was a particularly strong month, with the addition of 13,900 new jobs, led by Hotels and Restaurants. This sub-sector saw the creation of 5,400 posts.
“We are responsible for creating one in every ten new jobs in Brazil,” said Carneiro. She added that the sector has the potential to increase this figure.
Passenger traffic record
Further records were set in May, this time by air travel. According to data from the National Aviation Agency (ANAC), 7.3 million passengers flew in Brazil during this month. The figure is the highest for the last eight years and, most significantly, higher than in May 2019.
ANAC reported that demand for flights grew by 7% during May when the availability of seats increased by 13.8%. The airports in Guarulhos in Sao Paulo, Brasilia and Congonhas (also in Sao Paulo) saw the most passenger traffic. Among the most popular flights were Guarulhos to Fortaleza Airport and Congonhas to Brasilia.
The forecast for July is for even higher levels of passenger traffic, with over 4,200 extra flights during this month. Northeast Brazil will receive the highest number.
(Source: Brazilian Ministry of Tourism)
