Officials assess prospects for expanding cruise tourism in Brazil

Minister of Tourism Carlos Brito, Embratur President Silvio Nascimento and CLIA Brazil President Marco Ferraz met this week in Brasilia, along with major cruise operators.

They discussed the potential for expanding cruising, which plays an important role in attracting investment and tourists to Brazil. The agenda also involved possible partnerships between Embratur and lines to promote national destinations.

As well, the cruise operators presented areas needing improvement, including conditions for boarding and disembarking passengers and changes to the tax rules.

Eight-ship season

Eight ships are expected for the 2022/23 season, stretching from Oct. 29 to April 20. This represents more than 674,000 berths on 160 cruises, with departures from Itajaí, Maceió, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Santos, with 486 calls in 17 destinations.

Economic impact

This is projected to generate R$3.3b and around 43,000 jobs in Brazil.

Plus non-cabotage cruise calls

In addition to the national cruises, Brazil expects 35 ships departing from international destinations and stopping in Brazil. From Oct. 7 to May  17, 309 calls are planned at 45 destinations in 15 states, including Amazonas, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul.