How the coronavirus is wrecking Brazil’s tourism industry

The Brazilian tourism industry had high hopes for 2020. According to the Travel Trends 2020 report, by Scottish travel platform Skyscanner, Brazil was one of the top 3 emerging destinations, with a 27-percent increase in global searches and bookings from 2018. Experts predicted that the loosening of visa policies to make life easier on travelers would begin to pay off, and projected a rise in revenue for the sector.

But then came the Covid-19 pandemic. Roughly 4 billion people in the world are currently under some sort of social isolation measure — or even strict lockdown — and nearly all flights have been grounded.

For Brazil, the impact will be devastating. The sector represents almost 4 percent of the country’s GDP and employs some 7 million people, creating revenue for people from all social sectors. A study by think-tank Fundação Getulio Vargas estimated losses for the 2020-2021 period at BRL 117 billion (USD 20 billion). 

To compensate for the losses, it will take no less than a 17-percent annual growth rate in both 2022 and 2023 — which, considering the economic crisis Brazil is facing, won’t be easy. Not by the slightest. And that’s not to mention that we have no idea how long this crisis will last for.

Uncertainty for travelers and operators

Gislaine Navas, 38, had her suitcases packed for a trip with her husband to the northeastern coastal city of Jericoacoara between April 29 and May 2. But she had to stay home, as Brazilian states started enforcing...