Tourism in Brazil grew by 11.5% in September compared to August marking the fifth consecutive month of growth for the sector. For the authorities, the figures point to a recovery in the industry as more and more Brazilians are prepared to travel. The Northeast heads the list of most sought-after destinations for the forthcoming Christmas holiday season with Recife and Fortaleza as the country’s top two favourites.
Another rise in September
Tourism in Brazil has increased by 88.8% over the last five years, according to figures from the Brazilian Statistical Agency (IBGE). September saw the fifth month in a row of growth with an 11.5% increase on August. Air passenger traffic also went up by 19.2% with accommodation seeing a 9.1% rise.
For the Minister of Tourism, Marcelo Alvaro Antonio, the September figures show that the measures adopted by the government are having a positive impact. “We continue to work to show that we are gradually making tourism one of the pillars in the recovery of the Brazilian economy,” he said. He underlined that the return of tourism is taking place with full health and hygiene protocols in place.
New campaign for tourism in Brazil
To further boost travel within Brazil, the Ministry of Tourism has just launched a new nationwide campaign. With the slogan, “Travel responsibly and rediscover Brazil”, the campaign will promote staycations as the best holiday option.
Recent research from the IBGE revealed that Brazilians most favour beach destinations for holidays with 53.78% claiming this is their top option. Mountain areas were the next second most sought-after, although with a much smaller percentage (just 12.75%).
Fortaleza favourite for Christmas and New Year
The online travel portal ViajaNet recently published booking data for the forthcoming Christmas and New Year holiday. This is traditionally the busiest time on the Brazilian holiday calendar and this year is no different.
Recife had the most bookings with 23%, closely followed by Fortaleza in second place. The portal also reported that holidays in Fortaleza over New Year were 53% cheaper than last year.
Northeast Brazil now more than ever
The portal found that Northeast Brazil had the lion’s share of bookings. The region always ranks as a favourite among Brazilians, but this year it has an even bigger edge.
“The Northeast, always very popular among Brazilians at this time of year, now offers even more reasons to be the top summer vacation choice,” said Gustavo Mariotto, Head of Marketing at ViajaNet.
According to Mariotto, “people are looking for quieter beaches and valuing social distancing”. He points out that the Northeast has a long coastline with “many deserted beaches” making it the most sought-after option for New Year.
Ticking the holiday box at The Coral
The Coral on Guajirú Beach in Flecheiras enjoys a unique location on one of the sought-after beaches in Northeast Brazil. The resort sits on miles of unspoilt sands, which Brazilians are gradually discovering post-lockdown.
Flecheiras saw 100% occupancy during the November holiday weekend as demand for isolated beach destinations grew. Bookings for self-catering holiday lets over Christmas and New Year have soared in the area. O Povo broadsheet recently estimated that rates for Flecheiras holiday lets have doubled.
Bookings at The Coral have been brisk over the last few months. The resort currently has capacity for over 200 guests at the holiday apartments and villas on site. Investors have the opportunity to benefit from this booming market with a range of buy-to-let options, some of which include guaranteed rental income for 2 or 3 years. Find out more.
