Brazil’s tourism sector will enjoy a significant boost during the FIFA 2014 World Cup year according to the World Travel & Tourism Council, which has unveiled its Economic Impact 2014 report for the country.

WTTC is the global authority on the economic and social impact of the tourism industry.

International visitors coming for the World Cup will help to open up Brazil

The Economic Impact Report 2014 for Brazil shows that tourism grew its total contribution to the Brazilian economy by 3.4 per cent in 2013 and is predicted to grow its contribution by a further 5.2 per cent during this World Cup year and outperform the Brazilian economy by 3.6 per cent.

Domestic tourism makes up 95 per cent of the sector’s contribution to the Brazilian economy.

WTTC president David Scowsill said the World Cup is expected to bring a positive result: “Brazilians tend to holiday at home and so are not expected to travel abroad in big numbers to avoid any disruption from the event.

“International visitors coming for the World Cup will help to open up the country to a new global audience.”

Brazil has recently made moves towards eliminating visas for short-haul trips for Mexican nationals with passports.

Scowsill added measures like this will boost tourism further but he is encouraging the Brazilian Government to be even more ambitious.

“Brazil is recognising the positive benefits that travel and tourism can bring in terms of wealth creation to the country.

“Eliminating visas encourages more people to visit, increases tourism receipts and stimulates jobs.”