Brazil sees record tourist numbers as government prepares casino bill
The Regional Development and Tourism Committee hosted Minister Celso Sabino, head of the Tourism Ministry, to discuss sector policies at the request of committee president Senator Professora Dorinha Seabra. During the meeting, the minister outlined the growth of tourism in Brazil since 2023, presenting key figures and ongoing projects, including the potential for integrated resorts.
Celso Sabino stated that the creation of casinos is expected to generate between 600,000 and 1 million jobs, along with an estimated revenue of R$ 22 billion through the Gaming Tax (Cide-Jogos).
“The majority of states will be able to have one of these enterprises. There will be strict regulations on the number of integrated resorts that can be established in each state, as well as on the type of hotel. It must generate substantial employment, be a large hotel with a convention centre, entertainment areas, and a limited space for the casino, with strict access controls: photo, biometrics, and identification.”
Celso Sabino emphasized that tourism activity is booming in Brazil, with international visitors increasing by 14.6% in 2024 compared to the previous year, indicating a trend of growth.
“The Federal Police records all passports and all foreigners entering Brazil. This record, which started in 1970, has never reached the figure of 6 million 770 thousand international tourists, as we saw in 2024. Just in January and February, over 1 million 800 thousand tourists were registered. This year, Brazil will finally surpass the mark of seven million registered international tourists.”
According to the Senate Radio News Service the minister emphasized the generation of revenue and jobs, the enhancement of Brazil’s international image, and the increase in domestic air travel.
Additionally, the “Conheça o Brasil” program, which promotes tourism, increased the air network, offered special credit for tourism services, and stimulated destinations connected to the country’s history. Another project for 2025 is the “Tourist Guide,” developed in partnership with UN Women.
“We are developing a tourist guide to address situations in various places where women do not feel safe, particularly because incidents of violence have occurred. This guide will provide protection for female travellers, ensuring they have information and greater safety,” the minister said.
When questioned by Senators about the difficulties tourism faces due to public security issues in Brazil, the minister refuted claims that the country is the most dangerous in the world, citing major cities like Paris, Madrid, and Barcelona as also being unsafe for tourists.
The proposed gambling expansion bill authorizes not only the operation of casinos and bingos in Brazil, but would also legalize the jogo do bicho (an illegal lottery), among other forms of gambling. However, the bill is controversial and has been on the table for years. In November the Senate postponed the vote on the bill. All the same expectation is rising with some sources, including the Minister of Tourism, stating that the expectation is that the bill will be signed in the first half of this year.
