The Brazilian government said it would invest $10.6 million in a public-private partnership to promote the expansion of international flights.
The northeastern region of Brazil is said to be the main focus of the plan. Marcelo Freixo, president of Brazil’s tourism board, said the region rivaled the Caribbean with its “idyllic beaches, vibrant culture and exquisite gastronomy”.
The initiative builds on an $800,000 pilot program starting in 2024 and is a joint effort between Embraer, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Ports and Airports.
Tourism Minister Silvio Costa Filho said this is the first time Brazil has implemented a comprehensive plan to attract international flights. “The government’s goal is to strengthen Brazil’s international tourism industry, boost our economy and create opportunities,” he said.
The program will be rolled out in phases next year, starting in late January, with a focus on proposals for scheduled international flights to northeastern Brazil.
In March, Brazil will launch charter flights and will focus on developing domestic flights in the sub-region in the second half of the year.
The goal is to add at least 500,000 new international seats in the coming years.
Brazil said this year’s pilot program resulted in a 20% increase in air tickets issued in overseas markets, generating an economic return of $4.72 for every 20 cents invested.
