The year 2025 will be a watershed for Brazil, at least in the tourism sector. Never before had so many tourists set foot in the tropical country, which is ending the year with over nine million foreign visitors, 40% more than in 2024, according to official figures. Argentinians are particularly numerous, numbering over three million, an 80% increase compared to last year. They are followed by Chileans, Americans, and Europeans like Cecilia, a German woman visiting Brazil for the seventh time: “Of course I understand this increase; what’s strange is that it didn’t happen sooner,” she says from Rio de Janeiro, equipped with the classic beach gear: sunscreen, sunglasses and coconut water in hand, ready to watch the famous sunset over Arpoador Rock. When asked to explain the reason for this sudden surge in visitors, she pauses for a moment and replies: “I know Brazil has many problems, but Brazilians always seem happy.”
