Brazil is attractive destination for foreign investments, tourists

Raising Brazil's profile internationally while advancing discussions on sustainability, environmental conservation and climate change are among the primary challenges facing Brazil's Minister of Tourism, Celso Sabino. On Thursday, January 23, he assumed office as President of the UN Tourism Executive Council, a position regarded as one of the agency's most influential roles in decision-making for the sector.

The inauguration, held in Madrid, Spain, marks a historic moment for Brazil, as this is the first time a Brazilian representative occupies this seat at the international agency. “It is time to promote justice, solidarity, responsibility, and sustainability. There is much to be done, particularly regarding legislation and sector regulation. Together, we will transform tourism into a force capable of changing the world," Sabino remarked.

Brazilian Ambassador to Spain, Orlando Leite Ribeiro, emphasized, “This achievement underscores the recognition of the work done by President Lula's administration to reposition Brazil in the global stage.

The UN Tourism Executive Council consists of nearly 200 members from 160 nations. Its mission includes formulating and defining policies that will guide the future of global tourism, making it more inclusive and environmentally responsible. In the year that Belém, the capital city of the state of Pará, will host the COP30, this is one more step towards the consolidation of the country as a global reference in the sector's discussions about sustainability and climate change.

BUSINESS GUIDE - The event in Madrid also marked the launch of the “Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Brazil” guide, elaborated by CAF (Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean) and UN Tourism, in collaboration with Brazil's Ministry of Tourism, with the goal of promoting investments in the country's sector.  “Under President Lula's leadership, with much work and resilience, we have advanced public policies to improve the domestic environment and legal security, positioning ourselves among the 10 largest world economies and 2nd most sought destinations for foreign investments,” highlighted Minister Carlos Sabino, underscoring that this year the country will host the BRICS.

The publication outlines the benefits, conditions, and opportunities presented by Brazil’s tourism projects while also stressing the country's natural and cultural variety; the existence of a robust domestic market; the expressive participation of tourism in the GDP, of around 8%; and the vast number of international visitors.

The Guide also addresses legislative and fiscal aspects and the incentives that facilitate the arrival of foreign capital, such as the country's growth potential and economic stability; continuous innovation in Brazilian tourism through the public support for the creation of Smart Tourism Destinations (Destinos Turísticos Inteligentes/DTI); and professional qualification in the business. In addition, it covers the launch of Brazil’s 2024-2027 National Tourism Plan (Plano Nacional de Turismo/PNT); and the recent presidential signing of the Tourism General Law (Lei Geral do Turismo). These aspects seek to reinforce Brazil's commitment to sustainability and the economic and touristic development of Latin America.

“The unique combination of biodiversity, diverse tourism offerings, accessibility, hospitality, and a rich culture positions Brazil as a world-class destination,” said Sérgio Díaz-Granados, Executive Secretary of CAF.

INTERNATIONAL REVENUES - In the first three quarters of 2024, the Brazil received USD 212 million in international revenues resulting from activities linked to the sector, a 231% increase compared to the same period in 2023 (USD 64.6 million), according to a study conducted by the Ministry of Tourism based on statistic data from Banco Central do Brasil (BCB).

Between August and October 2024 alone, Brazilian tourism attracted a total of USD 86.8 million in direct foreign investments, a 278% leap compared to the USD 23.1 million raised in the same period in 2023.