Brazil’s Parks and Reserves Post Record Visits, Add R$20.3 Billion to GDP

Overview

• An ICMBio study on 2025 tourism in federal Conservation Units reports R$40.7 billion in sales, R$20.3 billion added to GDP, R$9.8 billion in household income and 28.5 million visits across 175 sites in a study that used an internationally recognized tourism impact model.
• National parks drew a record 13.6 million visits, led by Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro with 4.9 million, Iguaçu in Paraná with 2.2 million and Jericoacoara in Ceará with 1.3 million.
• ICMBio says each R$1 it receives generates R$16 in value added and R$2.30 in tax revenue, with UC tourism supporting about 332,500 jobs and nearly R$3 billion in taxes.
• Officials credit improved monitoring, new infrastructure and the 2025 Natureza com as Pessoas program, along with the creation or expansion of 20 protected areas since 2023 that together span about 1.7 million hectares.
• Managers warn that rising visitor numbers will require more planning, better visitor facilities and closer impact tracking to protect ecosystems while keeping access open.