TOURISM
Brazil's tourism boom meets a quality test

Combu Island, in Belém, is introducing zoning rules and tourism regulations. Photo: Gustavo Ribeiro/TBR
Historically underdeveloped, Brazil’s tourism sector has celebrated record highs in recent years — along with bright forecasts for the future.
For the first time, the country recorded over 7 million international tourists in 2025. By 2035, the World Travel and Tourism Council projects the industry will reach nearly USD 199 billion, growing at an average annual rate of 1.7%. The numbers mark a sharp break from Brazil’s long history of lagging behind in global tourism.
Yet communities across the country know all too well that it’s not too early to start worrying about the dangers of predatory tourism — the exploitative use of destinations to the detriment of residents and natural resources. The phenomenon has already…

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