Brazil’s international air arrivals rose 13.3% in the first half of 2026, with the country hosting 5,261,733 foreign tourists between January and June, according to data from Embratur (Visit Brasil), the Ministry of Tourism, and the Federal Police. Air travel accounted for 67% of all international entries, underscoring the role of expanded route networks and increased seat capacity in driving inbound tourism.
June alone saw 442,048 arrivals, of which 360,496 came through airports — a 1% year-on-year increase from June 2025. Embratur President Bruno Reis attributed the momentum to deliberate efforts to boost connectivity. “More flights and a broader presence in key source markets are bringing the country closer to travellers from Latin America, Europe, and other regions,” Reis said.
Latin America Leads, China Surges
Neighbouring South American countries delivered the strongest growth, with air arrivals from the region climbing 13.82%. Argentina, Brazil’s largest source market, posted a 15.90% increase, while Colombia and Peru recorded gains of 33.45% and 20.87%, respectively. These figures reflect deeper air links with carriers such as LATAM Airlines, Gol, and Avianca expanding frequencies on routes like São Paulo–Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro–Bogotá.
Long-haul markets also contributed significantly. Asian arrivals rose 18.83%, driven by a 55.12% jump in Chinese visitors — a recovery that aligns with increased flights from China Southern and Hainan Airlines to São Paulo-Guarulhos. European arrivals grew 16.23%, with standout performances from Portugal, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom (up 11.29%). North American arrivals edged up 1.76%, but Mexico bucked the trend with a 28.97% rise, aided by new Aeromexico services to Brasília and Fortaleza.
The growth in Chinese arrivals is particularly notable given broader Asia-Pacific headwinds. For context, China-Japan travel slumped 60% in May, highlighting Brazil’s success in capturing a larger share of outbound Chinese tourism through targeted marketing and visa facilitation.
Connectivity and Economic Impact
Embratur has been proactive in promoting Brazil’s diverse destinations globally. The agency’s strategy includes partnerships with airlines, tour operators, and travel agents to showcase regions beyond Rio and São Paulo, such as the Amazon, Pantanal, and northeastern beach hubs. Initiatives like Football Route’s curated Brazil itineraries for the travel industry have helped attract niche segments, while VisitBritain’s Brazil Mission 2026 underscores reciprocal efforts to boost long-stay travellers and regional spend.
The rise in international tourism is expected to bolster Brazil’s economic and social development, with Embratur continuing to promote the country’s destinations across Latin America, Europe, and Asia. For travel professionals — from airline revenue managers to hoteliers and tour operators — the data signals a robust recovery and expanding opportunities in one of the world’s most diverse travel markets.
