Ceará and its capital Fortaleza have ranked as one of the top places for holidays in Brazil yet again. The latest statistics reveal that this spot was among the nation’s favourites during Q1 this year, high holiday season in Brazil.
Northeast top for holidays in Brazil
The northeast region, famed for its stunning coastline and year-round warm climate, always features at the top of the most-visited for holiday spots. And 2022 is no exception – in the first three months of this year, Northeast Brazil dominated the country’s listings.
According to statistics from the Brazil Tourist Board, the Northeast took four out of the top five positions in Q1. Heading the table was Bahía, closely followed by Fortaleza, the capital of Ceará. Completing the top four were Maceio and Natal, third and fourth, respectively.
Staycations reign supreme
As well as showing a huge preference for the Northeast, Brazilians have embraced staycations. This vacation trend that emerged in 2020 in the wake of the pandemic has consolidated its presence and now stands as the overall favourite type of holidays in Brazil.
In Q1, over 80% of all vacations were taken within Brazil despite the opening up of international borders. The continual surge in staycations has benefitted the tourist sector across the board. As a result, 85% of travel agencies experienced higher revenue compared to the same period in 2021.
Further consolidation
The figures for the first quarter of the year also reveal that holidaymakers in Brazil have increasing trust and confidence in the tourism sector. For example, over 70% of bookings in Q1 were new reservations.
“We had an amazing summer with the uptake in travel as the recovery of the tourist sector consolidates safely and responsibly,” said Carlos Brito, the Minister of Tourism. He reiterated that the results emphasise the strength of staycations and the potential for further growth this year.
Massive uptick in Ceará air traffic
Statistics for passengers and flights confirm the ever-growing popularity of staycations generally and of Ceará particularly. According to the state government, the ten regional airports saw an uptick of 151% in passengers between January and April. Flights increased by 40.6%.
The regional airport at Jericocoara was the main beneficiary of the growth and welcomed the majority of the 118,039 passengers.
Fortaleza Airport has also reported a strong start to the year with ever-increasing domestic passenger numbers. International traffic is gradually returning too and more flights have been confirmed. Gol will resume its thrice-weekly service connecting Fortaleza and Miami in October and restart the Orlando flight in January.
(Source: Brazilian Ministry of Tourism, Ceará State Government)
