Brazil’s federal government has announced a historic USD
$10.6 million investment on its International
Tourism Acceleration Program (ITAP) for 2025, generating at least 500,000
new international flight seats.
The program will be rolled out in phases throughout 2025,
beginning in late January with a call for proposals focused on regular
international flights to unserved regions such as Northeast Brazil.
In March 2025, the call for charter flights will be
launched, followed by sub-regional domestic flights in the second half of the
year.
Brazilian Tourist Board President Marcelo Freixo, (Visit
Brasil/Embratur), highlighted the program as a leap forward from the pilot
project implemented in 2024. "Regionalizing our measures for each region
of Brazil seems to be the right approach, as different regions face different
challenges. I want to see the Northeast competing head-to-head with the
Caribbean and to achieve this, we need to integrate regional promotion. This is
a significant step toward generating jobs, income, and development for society,"
he said.
The initiative stems from collaboration within the Brazilian
federal government, a joint effort by Embratur, the Ministry of Tourism, and
the Ministry of Ports and Airports.
He stated, "We've been working together since the first
week. What we deliver today is the result of that collaboration. From an
initial USD $0.8 million investment on IATA Winter 2024/25, to over USD $10
million, with equal or higher investments of airlines and airports we are on
the right path.”
As part of the National Growth Acceleration Program (PAC),
ITAP strengthens public-private partnerships with airlines and airports,
expanding Brazil’s international flight network. Minister Silvio Costa Filho
said that this is the first time Brazil has implemented a comprehensive
program to attract international flights. "The government’s goal is to
strengthen international tourism in Brazil, boost our economy and create
opportunities," he said.
The Northeast is a primary program focus with Filho
highlighting a 38 percent increase in international tourists to the region in
2024. "Four of the ten most searched cities in Brazil are in the
Northeast, demonstrating the region's potential as a tourist destination for
foreigners," he added.
Freixo also underscored the historic milestones achieved in
2024 and the importance of PATI in driving further growth. "We are in an
exceptional moment. We will surpass records in foreign currency inflows, which
generate jobs and income, and the number of international tourists is expected
to exceed the 6.4 million recorded in 2014, the year of the World Cup", he
said.
The pilot edition of ITAP notes impressive results:
- Accelerated historical record of 7.48 million
international seats for summer 2024/25 season, marking an increase of 1.2
million seats compared to the previous season.
- A 20 percent growth in international ticket
issuance from overseas markets.
- 160,000 new seats requested resources from the
PATI-Pilot program.
- An economic return of ÙSD $4.72 for every USD
$0.20 invested.
- Two startup projects aimed at enhancing the
foreign tourist experience at Brazilian airports.
Tourism Minister Celso Sabino described the program as
"historic". He said, "I have no doubt that we are making history
with programs like ITAP and others from the federal government. With the
support of state governments, we are transforming the country’s economy. I want
to acknowledge everyone involved, especially Marcelo Freixo, whom I applaud for
the success of international tourism and Brazil's effective promotion abroad.”
Fátima Bezerra, governor of Rio Grande do Norte in Northeast
Brazil, celebrated the launch. "PATI was an idea born within Embratur
alongside Marcelo Freixo. It prospered thanks to the sensitivity of Minister
Silvio Costa Filho and Minister Celso Sabino. I am thrilled to be here today
with the federal government to launch this important initiative to boost
foreign tourism to our country, especially to our Northeast,” he said.
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