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541,000 international tourists visited Brazil during the 2016 Rio Olympics, an increase of 157,000 people over the same period last year, according to a new study by Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism.
The visa waiver for visitors from the United States, Canada, Japan and Australia benefited 74.7 percent of the foreigners who came to Brazil for the Games. According to the study, which evaluates the experience of foreign visitors and Brazilians during the Olympic period, eight out of 10 international tourists said the visa waiver facilitates a possible return to Brazil in the future. 56.5 percent of foreign respondents were in Brazil for the first time.
The study reveals that the Internet was the main source of information for 63.4 percent of foreign tourists when making travel arrangements. With the launch of the new VisitBrasil.com portal this week, Vinicius Lummertz, head of Embratur, said that the tool can contribute to the making it easier for tourists from other countries to discover Brazilian destinations and attraction. "The Internet is currently the largest facilitator for tourists and the new website launched by Embratur will attract those visitors who want to know more about Brazil and its treasures," he said.
The study reviewed the level of satisfaction by visitors on tourism and leisure options, security, infrastructure, transportation and hospitality. It also revealed the tourist’s profiles, where most were 25 years or older and 64.4 percent were men. The best rated item was Rio's hospitality, which received 98.7 percent approval by international tourists and 92 percent by Brazilians. 94.6 percent of those interviewed praised the airports, while 86.6 percent approved of the public transport. 83 percent of international visitors said that their trip to Rio de Janeiro met or fully exceeded their expectations.
Data on accommodation bookings showed that 37 percent of international tourists chose hotels, while 25 percent opted for rented properties. The average number of days in Brazil was 11.7 days, and average spending was more than $103.7 per day.
1,262 international visitors were interviewed between August 6 and 18 for the survey conducted by the Economic Research Institute Foundation (FIPE) and 4,150 Brazilians were also interviewed between August 3 and 16 for the research developed by GMR Intelligence & Research. The results are partial and interviews will be conducted also during the Paralympics. The final results will be announced later this year.
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