Brazilian tourism had a historic year in 2025. The country welcomed 9.3 million foreign tourists, the highest number ever recorded, and also achieved record revenues from international tourism. From January to December, spending by visitors from other countries totaled approximately US$ 7.9 billion (R$ 41.5 billion), an increase of 7.1% over 2024, according to data from the foreign sector statistics report released by the Central Bank (Bacen) on Monday (26).
Within this positive scenario, Gramado stood out as one of Brazil's main tourist destinations for international visitors. Of the 9.3 million foreign visitors who entered the country, more than 90,000 visited the city in the Serra Gaúcha region, coming from 72 different countries, reinforcing the destination's international appeal and its growing presence on the global tourism map.
In December alone, international tourism accounted for US$ 688 million (R$ 3.6 billion) in funds injected into the Brazilian economy, maintaining the accelerated pace observed throughout the year. The amount represents a growth of approximately 23% compared to November, when US$ 560 million (R$ 2.9 billion) was recorded.
These resources directly impact the entire tourism production chain, driving sectors such as air and road transport, hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, commerce, and services. The positive effect extends from small entrepreneurs—such as family inns, restaurants, tour guides, and artisans—to large hotel chains and operators, generating jobs, income, and strengthening local economies in all regions of the country.
Gramado's international profile has also been boosted by strategic actions to promote the destination and its main events. One of the highlights is Festuris – Gramado International Tourism Fair, recognized as one of the most important events in the sector in Latin America. Recently, Festuris CEO Eduardo Zorzanello was in Madrid, Spain, participating in Fitur 2026, one of the largest tourism fairs in the world, with the aim of prospecting the event, promoting the city of Gramado, and promoting the state of Rio Grande do Sul to the international market.
“Participating in Fitur is essential to strengthen the positioning of Festuris and Gramado on the global stage. It is an event that brings together professionals from the entire global tourism economic chain, allowing for strategic connections, business generation, and the promotion of our destination to highly qualified markets,” highlights Eduardo Zorzanello.
