25/26's Brazilian Summer promises

Brazilian Tourism Set to Soar: Foz do Iguaçu and the North Rise as Rio Faces Decline

The summer 25/26's promises to redraw the map of tourism in Brazil. While Rio de Janeiro remains a global postcard, recent news of urban violence and scams targeting tourists are shifting international perceptions. In this scenario, destinations like Foz do Iguaçu and Northern Brazil — with Belém and the Amazon at the forefront — emerge as safe and captivating alternatives, ready to welcome travelers redirecting their plans from Rio.

Belém and the Amazon: The COP30 Effect

Belém’s selection as the host of COP30 in November 2025 goes beyond climate diplomacy: the city is becoming a hub for high-level tourism. Expanded airports, new hotels, and Amazon rainforest tours position the capital as a temporary — and potentially permanent — center for qualified visitors. For European and North American tourists seeking unique experiences in nature and regional culture, Belém offers more than scenery: it offers immersion, connection, and safety.

Rio’s Relative Decline: Security and International Perception

Recent months have seen intense police operations and consular warnings spotlighting urban safety. Incidents involving scams targeting tourists — from sophisticated thefts to bar and beach frauds — have made headlines internationally, making perceived risk a decisive factor for foreign visitors. While Rio still boasts unique attractions, a growing share of international tourists opts for destinations with lower exposure to risks, informed by official channels and travel advisories.

Foz do Iguaçu: Ready for the Shift

Foz do Iguaçu emerges as the destination ready to receive this redirected flow. With millions of visitors in 2025, high hotel occupancy, and strong international appeal, the city combines safety, accessibility, and guided tours that ensure unforgettable experiences at Iguazu Falls and other attractions. For tourists prioritizing nature and security, Foz represents a solid alternative, capable of absorbing a portion of packages originally destined for Rio de Janeiro.

The North and Tourism Empowerment

The expansion of tourism to Belém and Amazonian regions goes beyond simply absorbing visitors: it brings economic development, local job creation, and cultural valorization. Hosting COP30 projects the region internationally, strengthening air routes, hotel networks, and tourism services. This is not just a shift in flow — it is a strategic redistribution reinforcing Brazil as a multipolar destination.

Brazilian Tourism: Multipolarity and Growth

Even with a potential drop in preference for Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian tourism as a whole is expected to grow during the 2025/2026 summer season. The country offers diverse experiences: from Rio’s urban spectacle to immersive nature experiences in Foz do Iguaçu and the Amazon. For visitors, there are options balancing excitement, safety, and authenticity. For Brazil, it confirms that its tourism sector is resilient, diversified, and able to reinvent itself in the face of challenges.

Practical Guidance for International Travelers

• Check your country’s Travel Advisories before traveling.

• Opt for official transfers and regulated tourism services.

• Avoid isolated or unsafe areas and follow guided routes in cities.

• Keep copies of important documents and purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
• Stay alert for common scams in tourist areas.

The Brazilian summer will once again be a landscape of opportunities. Between Rio’s grandeur, the strength of Iguazu Falls in Foz, and Belém’s Amazonian awakening, the country reveals itself as multipolar, safe, and prepared to welcome visitors seeking unique, authentic, and unforgettable experiences.

Edited by Ronald Stresser to Sulpost news blog