Spending by international tourists in Brazil broke a historic record between January and May this year, reaching R$25 billion. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the value is 11% higher compared to the same period last year, when expenses totaled R$22.6 billion.
Also in the month of May, spending was record, in the order of R$4.08 billion, showing an increase of 19% over the value recorded in the same month of 2025 (R$3.42 billion). The data was analyzed by the ministry and released by the Central Bank.
There was also an increase in the flow of foreign tourists to the country. In May, 486,262 international visitors were registered, the best performance in the historical series for the month, with an increase of 5.4% compared to May last year (461,341 tourists).
In January-May this year, Brazil received almost 5 million international tourists, maintaining the level of the same period in 2025.
Chinese
The data also points to an increase in Chinese tourists in May 2026. There were 15,380 visitors from China arriving in the country, an increase of 75% compared to the same month in 2025, when Brazil received 8,767 Chinese. Since May 11th, Chinese people have been exempt from visas to enter Brazil for tourism or business trips. The measure is valid until December 31st
In January-May, 55,260 visitors from China came to the country, a number 43% higher compared to the same period last year, when 38,607 arrived in Brazil.
Abrasel
In the opinion of the president of the Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants (Abrasel), Paulo Solmucci, the growth in the number of foreign tourists and spending in Brazil is good news for bars, restaurants and the entire tourism chain, both in business cities and in the most touristic cities.
“The Ministry of Tourism and Embratur have been working very well so much so that, last year, Brazil already had a record movement of foreign tourists”.
Solmucci reported that sales in the food away from home sector, in May this year, grew 4.6% compared to the same month last year “and tourism, both domestic and international, undoubtedly contributed to this positive result”.
