First Call for Partnerships to Launch in the First Quarter of 2025
In another strategic move to strengthen Brazil’s leading global destination positioning, the federal government has announced a historic USD $10.6 million investment on its International Tourism Acceleration Program (PATI) for 2025. The initiative is expected to generate at least 500,000 new international seats in the upcoming seasons.
The program will be rolled out in phases throughout next year, beginning in late January with a call for proposals focused on regular international flights to unserved regions such as Northeast Brazil. A region that boasts idyllic beaches, vibrant culture, and exquisite cuisine.
In March, the call for charter flights will be launched, and will be followed by sub-regional domestic flights in the second half of the year. Incentivised flights will significantly enhance Brazil’s air connectivity from IATA Summer 2025 onwards.
Marcelo Freixo, president of the Brazilian Tourist Board (Visit Brasil/Embratur), highlighted the program as a leap forward from the pilot project implemented in 2024. “Regionalising 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.
He emphasised that the initiative stems from collaboration within the Brazilian federal government. The program is a joint effort by Embratur, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Ministry of Ports and Airports. “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”, Freixo added.
Public-Private Partnerships and Ambitious Goals
As part of the National Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), PATI strengthens public-private partnerships with airlines and airports, expanding Brazil’s international flight network. According to Minister Silvio Costa Filho, 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 focus of the program. Minister Costa Filho highlighted a 38% increase in international tourists to the region in 2024 compared to 2023 and noted its potential for continued growth. “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.
Economic Impact and Record Growth
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 PATI already delivered impressive results:
- Accelerated the historical record of 7.48 million international seats for the summer 2024/25 season, marking an increase of 1.2 million seats compared to the previous season.
- +20% growth in international ticket issuance from overseas markets.
- 160,000 of the 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 accelerated through a contest aimed at enhancing the foreign tourist experience at Brazilian airports.
The program represents a unique opportunity to expand Brazil’s air connectivity and enhance its standing as a premier international destination. This initiative reflects the federal government’s commitment to tourism development while paving the way for sustainable growth and global integration for Brazil.
Tourism Minister Celso Sabino described the program as “historic”. “I have no doubt that we are making history with programs like PATI 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”, Sabino said.
Fátima Bezerra, governor of Rio Grande do Norte, one of the states 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”, Bezerra said.
ABOUT EMBRATUR
The Brazilian Tourist Board (EMBRATUR) is tasked with implementing the National Tourism Policy, focusing on promotion, marketing, services, and products within the international market. EMBRATUR aims to foster social and economic development by attracting international tourists to Brazil’s captivating destinations. For more information, please visit www.visitbrasil.com.
