Brazil's tourism industry contributes 3.5pc of gdp

The data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) shows that the direct contribution of Travel & Tourism in Brazil was 3.5 per cent of its GDP in 2014, with projections to grow 1.5 per cent in 2015 and 3.5 per cent per annum from 2015 to 2025.

According to WCCT, most travel spending in Brazil is generated by leisure travel spending (including both domestic and inbound), rather than business travel. In fact, the former accounted for 85.8 per cent of direct Travel & Tourism GDP last year.

Both leisure and business travel spending are projected to grow at a healthy pace from 2016 to 2025, with leisure travel growing by 3.6 per cent per annum and business travel by 2.8 per cent per annum during this period. Looking at tourism growth as a whole, preliminary estimates suggest that 2015 will be a strong year for Brazil.

The World Cup in 2014 is estimated to have had a net impact of ca. USD$3 billion on the Brazilian economy, according to Brazilian Tourism President Vicente Neto, adding a total of USD$13.5 billion to Brazil's GDP in 2014. Neto confirmed that a satisfaction survey carried out among foreign tourists arriving in Brazil during the World Cup, indicated that 95 per cent showed their willingness to return in the future.

Brazil is already igniting excitement with the Rio 2016 Olympics, as according to Brazil's Tourism Agency, 1.2 million tickets have been applied for within a week of going on sale.

Natal has been one of the cities that benefited immensely from the World Cup promotion and infrastructure invested in the city, in connection to the tournament. Leading Brazilian developer Ritz-G5, whose investment projects are established in this region, says it has seen an increase in enquires.

Luiz Fernandes, CEO, comments: "Last year, Brazil experienced record-breaking tourism numbers, including over 1 million visitors from 203 countries during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, significantly exceeding initial estimates. With Natal being featured as a host city, there has been a dramatic rise in interest for the region which has led to further development opportunities. We are very excited to continue working in such a vibrant, beautiful city, especially now that Natal has been recognised as one of Brazil's prime locations."