Tourism in BRICS: Why Are the Countries in the Group Becoming Popular Travel Destinations?

Foreign tourists brought in record revenue for Brazil in 2025, Indonesia saw a 10% increase in tourist inflow compared to the previous year, China is experiencing a Russian tourism boom post-visa exemptions, while Russia is developing the business travel sector. Why are BRICS countries becoming popular travel destinations and how will this impact the economy, environment, and social development of the regions? Brazil – With its Amazon national parks, stunning canyons and mountains in Santa Catarina, the largest waterfall system in the world at Iguazu Falls, and vibrant beaches and the famous carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is a highly sought-after destination. From January to September 2025, foreign tourists generated a record R$32.5 billion in revenue for the country, an 11.7% increase from the same period in 2024, as reported by Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism. The majority of tourist spending included domestic travel, accommodation, food, entertainment, and shopping. Statistics show a significant rise in international visitors, with a new historical record in 2025 for the number of foreign tourists arriving in Brazil. Brazil saw a surge in Chinese tourists, with the number increasing by 80% from 2023 to 2024, noted Professor Mark Howard Levin from Minzu University, China.