Foreign tourists have never spent as much in Brazil as they did in January. The foreign exchange earnings from tourism of US$ 695 million is a record figure for the month. It exceeds the US$ 666 million spent in tourist destinations across the country in the same period last year by 4.42%.

"The result is of great importance if we consider the international situation in the main countries of origin of tourists visiting Brazil, such as Argentina, the United States and European countries," said Tourism Minister, Gastão Vieira.

Last year, revenue from international tourism reached record highs, reaching the mark of US$ 6.64 billion.  In dollars, spending has grown 168%, over the period from 2003 (the year the Ministry of Tourism was created) to 2012.

The foreign exchange earnings from tourism is calculated monthly by the Central Bank. The figure considers foreigners spending with credit cards and official foreign exchanges.

Source: Ministry of Tourism

26 February 2013