Brazil’s tourism sector continues to flourish, with outbound travel reaching record numbers, driven by visa-free access to numerous destinations worldwide. The country’s airports are experiencing significant growth, with major hubs handling a surge in both domestic and international passengers. Key Brazilian airlines are expanding their networks, offering diverse travel options for both domestic and international travelers.
Scapia reports a surge in bookings for visa-free destinations, with Southeast Asia emerging as a top choice for both group and solo travelers. The travel industry is rebounding from the pandemic, with global passenger numbers expected to reach pre-COVID levels and beyond.
Korea has witnessed a decline in Chinese tourists during the Golden Week holiday, a peak travel period in China. The shift is attributed to Chinese travelers opting for visa-free destinations and Japan, which has become more attractive due to a weakened yen. Travel agents report a significant drop in Korean visa applications, with some indicating a reduction of up to one-third compared to pre-pandemic levels. This decline coincides with an increase in Japanese visa applications, as well as growing popularity for other visa-free countries, such as Thailand and Singapore. Experts attribute the shift to factors like favorable exchange rates, ease of travel, and strained diplomatic relations between Korea and China. Despite these challenges, Korea’s tourism sector has shown signs of recovery, with international tourist arrivals reaching 63% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Chinese tourists still contribute significantly, although their numbers remain below pre-pandemic figures.
