PHOTO: U.S. visitors are a key market for Brazil. (Photo by David Cogswell)
As the Olympic torch travels around Brazil, the whole world is turning its eyes on the country as it prepares for the Olympic Games. Headlines leave many questions about Brazil's preparedness for the Games up in the air, but that hasn't stopped U.S. travelers from heading to the country in droves.
Americans are one of the most sought-after travel markets for Brazil. After Argentina, they are the most numerous visitors within the country. And in 2015, more than half a million U.S. travelers descended upon the nation - and more are expected to visit in 2016 with the on-set of visa-free travel for the Summer Games.
READ MORE: How Will Brazil's Political Upheaval Impact 2016 Summer Olympics?
While Brazil's neighbor, Argentina, remains the top source of visitor numbers to the country, the U.S. sends the largest number of visitors from outside South America. More than 575,000 visitors from the U.S. traveled to Brazil last year. Europe is another popular source market for Brazil's long-haul travel market. More than 260,000 visitors traveled to the country from France; around 225,000 arrived from Germany; approximately 202,000 from Italy; and almost 190,000 from England.
READ MORE: Olympic Torch Begins Journey to Brazil
U.S. visitors are also outspending their counterparts in Brazil. Travelers from the States spent $5.8 billion. During the FIFA World Cup, Americans spent approximately $85 per person, per day - well above South Americans and Europeans, who only averaged between $66 and $67 per person, per day.
U.S. visitors to Brazil are mostly male and between 41 and 50 years old. Most have a college degree and an average monthly income that exceeds $5,000. And most are traveling alone, visiting the country either on business or for an event.
Those U.S. visitors who are traveling for leisure stay more than 10 days on average and are looking for ecotourism, adventure travel and cultural activities.
As the countdown to the Olympic Games continues and headlines ratchet up concern over competing in the country, one thing is for sure: Americans will be there to see the action unfold.
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