São Paulo – Local and foreign tourists travelling Brazil during the FIFA World Cup, from June 12th to July 13th, should spend R$ 6.7 billion (US$ 2.9 billion at current exchange rates). The estimate comprises spending by all tourists in the country during the period, whether they attend World Cup-related events or not. The estimate has been released this Friday (6th) by the Ministry of Tourism.
According to information from the ministry, 3.7 million people will travel through Brazil during the tournament. Of those, 3.1 million will be Brazilians, and 600,000 will be foreigners. Out of all tuorists, 1.9 million are attending events directly linked to the Cup, such as matches and parties in host cities. Spending by these visitors should amount to a combined R$ 4.05 billion (US$ 1.96 billion).
Another 1.8 million tourists are expected to spend R$ 2.64 billion (US$ 1.15 billion). According to the ministry, these tourists will “likely enjoy the World Cup festivities locally.”
The Ministry of Tourism believes the 300,000 foreigners travelling to Brazil specifically for the World cup will account for the bulk of spending. Each should disburse an average of R$ 5,500 (US$ 2,413) during their stay in Brazil, air tickets not included. “This is a high-level audience, and we want to win them over during the World Cup,” said Tourism minister Vinicius Lages in a statement released by the ministry.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
