Brazil is planning to invest $10.6 million on its International Tourism Acceleration Program (ITAP) for 2025. The initiative is expected to generate at least 500,000 new international seats in the upcoming seasons. The program will be rolled out in phases throughout 2025, beginning in late January with a call for proposals focused on regular international flights to unserved regions such as Northeast Brazil. In March, the call for charter flights will be launched, followed by sub-regional domestic flights in the second half of the year.
Marcelo Freixo, president of the Brazilian Tourist Board (Visit Brasil/Embratur), highlighted the program as a leap forward from the pilot project implemented in 2024. The program is a joint effort by Embratur, the ministry of tourism and the ministry of ports and airports. As part of the National Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), ITAP strengthens public-private partnerships with airlines and airports, expanding Brazil’s international flight network.
The northeast is a primary focus of the program. Minister Silvio Costa Filho highlighted a 38 percent increase in international tourists to the region in 2024 compared to 2023 and noted its potential for continued growth. “Four of the 10 most searched cities in Brazil are in the Northeast, demonstrating the region’s potential as a tourist destination for foreigners,” he added.
The pilot edition of ITAP already delivered impressive results:
- Accelerated the historical record of 7.48 million international seats for the summer 2024-25 season, marking an increase of 1.2 million seats compared to the previous season
- A 20 percent growth in international ticket issuance from overseas markets
- 160,000 of the new seats requested resources from the PATI-Pilot program
- An economic return of $4.72 for every $0.20 invested
- Two startup projects accelerated through a contest aimed at enhancing the foreign tourist experience at Brazilian airports
The program, Embratur says, represents an opportunity to expand Brazil’s air connectivity and enhance its standing as a premier international destination. This initiative reflects the federal government’s commitment to tourism development while paving the way for sustainable growth and global integration for Brazil.
For more information, visit www.visitbrasil.com.
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