Brazil’s tourism sector up 47.5% in May, despite US$971 million drop in the year

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Tourism revenues in Brazil in May reached R$9.6 (US$1.8) billion, up 47.5% over the same month in 2020, as shown in a survey by the Federation of Commerce of Goods, Services and Tourism of the State of São Paulo (FecomercioSP).

Despite the sharp rise, the sector accumulates a 9.8% contraction in the year-to-date, representing a R$5.1 billion (US$971 million) revenue slump.

Comparing May this year with the same month in 2019 – before the pandemic – the drop in revenue in the sector, considering inflation, stands at 31.2%, down R$4.3 billion.

In May, only water transportation surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with a 20% rise in revenue compared to the same month in 2019. FecomercioSP analyzed 6 activity groups.

On the other hand, air transport remains the most affected, with a loss of 50.5% in revenue compared to May 2019. The drop in passenger demand reached 43% over the same period.

The catering and accommodation sectors invoiced R$2.8 billion, 33.5% less than the figure posted for the same month in 2019. The slump is close to that of cultural, recreational, and sporting activities, down 33.8%.

The group comprising vehicle activities, tour agencies and operators and other services in the area posted a 13.2% decrease in revenue in May compared to the same period in 2019. The land transportation sector posted a 6.6% drop.

“Although the scenario is challenging, with a long way to recover pre-pandemic levels, the Federation believes that initiatives such as the easing of restrictions, increased offers of touristic services and the acceleration of vaccination nationwide are key to a gradual and more consistent improvement in the sector henceforth,” FecomercioSP said in a statement.

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