Brazil's business travel revenue exceeds €1.7 billion

The figures underline the growing importance of business tourism to Brazil’s travel industry, supporting airlines, hotels, convention centres, event organizers and specialist service providers.

September alone produced €218.5 million in corporate travel revenue, up 1.74% year over year.

Air transportation remained the largest contributor during the first nine months, accounting for approximately 60% of total revenue. Airline sales reached €1.11 billion, representing an 11% increase.

Hotels generated €545 million, up 3%, while other business travel services also recorded substantial growth. Travel assistance revenue jumped 71%, and ground transportation transfers increased 26%.

Brazil expands its international MICE footprint
Business travel growth is accompanied by Brazil’s increasing visibility in the international meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) market.

According to the 2025 rankings published in May 2026 by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Brazil climbed two places to 13th worldwide among countries hosting international association meetings.

The country hosted 276 qualifying international events, compared with 234 in 2024, an increase of almost 18%.

Brazil retained its leadership in Latin America and has gained 12 positions in the global ranking since 2022, while increasing its recorded international events volume by 151%.

Its appeal combines extensive event infrastructure, international air connections and opportunities to complement business programs with cultural, culinary and nature-based experiences.

São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro remain major international events hubs, alongside Brasília, Campinas and Belo Horizonte. However, the market is spreading beyond the traditional centres.

The number of Brazilian destinations included in the ICCA ranking increased from 26 in 2023 to 42 in 2025. Fortaleza, Recife and Porto Alegre have strengthened their international visibility, while João Pessoa, Bonito, Bento Gonçalves and Campina Grande have also entered the international association meetings circuit.

International arrivals and connectivity support growth
The expansion of corporate travel comes amid broader growth in international tourism.

Foreign visitors generated a record €7.48 billion in tourism revenue between January and September 2026, up 10% year over year, according to Brazil’s central bank.

International air traffic also increased, with Brazilian airports handling 22.7 million international passengers during the same period, a 7.2% rise compared with 2025.

Improved connectivity is particularly important for attracting international delegates, exhibitors, professional associations and event organizers.

Brazil’s international promotion agency, Embratur, is working with tourism industry partners and specialist organizations to strengthen the country’s position in the global MICE market.

Initiatives include participation in major international trade shows and familiarization trips for international event planners and buyers.

Embratur also operates the Brazil Incentive Showcase, a digital platform bringing together destination information and experiences designed for the international incentive travel market.