The devastating effects of the pandemic continue to be felt in tourism received by America, where international arrivals are 34% below pre-pandemic levels. To correct this situation and shorten the recovery period, The new Minister of Tourism of Brazil Daniela Carneiro met in Madrid with the Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Zurab Pololikashvili. This is Carneiro’s first visit to the UNWTO since his recent appointment as President Lula da Silva.

Brazil received 3.6 million foreign tourists in 2022, almost five times more than in 2021, but 43% less than in 2019.. That is very far from their usual numbers. In terms of revenue, the country received almost $5 billion from international tourism in 2022, up 68% from the previous year. As the largest economy in Latin America and the Caribbean, Brazil has a great opportunity to recover pre-pandemic statistics and position itself as a safe, affordable and sustainable destination.

At the meeting, Carneiro and Pololikashvili studied effective measures to support the tourism sector in the country, with innovation, education and training as a roadmap to stimulate investment and create decent jobs in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Brazil’s new tourism minister will prioritize respect for the rural environment and maintaining environmental sustainability. The Brazilian government’s support will have an impact far beyond the tourism sector itself.

UNWTO also welcomes the co-benefits it will bring, including social empowerment, building confidence in travel, and accelerating sustainable action against climate change.

Brazil has historically been one of the countries in the region with a leading role in the UNWTO. He is currently one of the five members of the Americas Executive Board, a role he will serve until 2025, with a firm commitment to guarantee the work the organization intended to do and ensure that the budget is met.

Brazil is facing the opportunity to build a new national tourism policy based on the development of the country and its citizens. Commitment to the alliance with UNWTO is based on the support develop and implement a new national sustainable tourism plan in line with the 2030 Agenda. and promote the modernization of national tourism legislation.