Published on
December 30, 2025
The United Kingdom is sending a growing wave of visitors to Brazil, underscoring the South American nation’s rising appeal as a long-haul destination for European travellers. Newly released official data shows that travel from the UK to Brazil increased by 22 percent in the year leading up to November, marking one of the strongest year-on-year growth rates among key source markets.
Between January and November, more than 169,000 travellers from the UK visited Brazil, a substantial jump compared with the same period last year. This increase reflects renewed confidence in international travel, stronger air connectivity, and heightened interest in Brazil’s diverse cultural, natural, and urban experiences. From vibrant cities and iconic beaches to rainforests and festivals, the country continues to position itself as a destination that offers depth as well as variety.
The surge in UK arrivals forms part of a much broader recovery and expansion in Brazil’s inbound tourism sector. Across all international markets, nearly nine million overseas visitors arrived during the first 11 months of the year. This represents a remarkable 40 percent increase compared with the previous year, when international arrivals stood at just under 6.8 million over the same timeframe. The figure not only highlights strong global demand but also surpasses official expectations by a wide margin.
Tourism planners had initially projected around 6.9 million international arrivals for the year, yet the actual total exceeded that target by roughly 30 percent. This outperformance points to Brazil’s growing competitiveness in the global tourism landscape, particularly as travellers seek destinations that combine affordability, rich culture, and unique experiences. It also signals the success of efforts to promote Brazil more effectively in international markets and improve the visitor journey from arrival to departure.
The economic impact of this growth has been equally significant. International tourism generated an estimated $7.17 billion during the 11-month period, representing an increase of more than eight percent compared with the previous year. This level of contribution brings tourism revenue close to the $7.3 billion achieved in 2024, demonstrating that the sector is not only recovering in terms of volume but also in value. Increased spending supports jobs, small businesses, and regional economies across the country, reinforcing tourism’s role as a key driver of national growth.
Major gateway cities have played a crucial role in accommodating the rising number of visitors. São Paulo remained the leading international entry point, welcoming close to 2.5 million overseas arrivals. As Brazil’s largest city and a major aviation hub, São Paulo offers extensive flight connections, business travel opportunities, and access to cultural attractions. Rio de Janeiro followed as the second-largest gateway, receiving more than 1.9 million international visitors. Its global reputation for beaches, landmarks, and major events continues to make it one of the country’s most recognisable and desirable destinations.
Looking ahead, the outlook for Brazil’s tourism sector remains positive. Forecasts for 2026 indicate steady and consistent growth, supported by increasing demand from key international markets and expanding airline capacity. Early indicators already suggest rising ticket sales for peak travel periods, particularly during the summer season and the world-famous Carnival celebrations in February. These events traditionally attract large numbers of international visitors, and current booking trends point to even stronger demand in the coming years.
With sustained interest from the UK and other markets, rising visitor numbers, and robust economic returns, Brazil is firmly re-establishing itself as a leading global destination. Continued investment in infrastructure, connectivity, and destination development is expected to further strengthen its position, ensuring that tourism growth remains both resilient and sustainable in the years ahead.
