During the opening of the National Tourism Exhibition, the vice-president, Geraldo Alckmin, made significant statements about the impact of the sector in Brazil and addressed important issues such as the regulation of casinos and visa facilitation. "It's important that we expand and facilitate access to visas from Brazil, increasing the number of foreigners in the country," said the vice-president, to much applause from those present.

The speech referred to the visa requirement for tourists from the USA, Canada and Australia to enter Brazil. The Brazilian government has extended the visa exemption for citizens from these countries until 10 April 2025.

Another important point raised by Alckmin was the issue of casinos in resorts. "The Federal Senate is discussing the regulation of casinos in resorts. Personally, I am totally in favour of defining specific locations for these ventures, with clear rules. Casinos, as demonstrated in other countries, can boost entertainment, the creative economy and generate employment," he said.

Personally, I am totally in favour of defining specific locations for these ventures, with clear rules. Casinos, as demonstrated in other countries, can boost entertainment, the creative economy and generate employment

Alckmin emphasised the importance of tourism for the economy and society. "Tourism is health, it's education, it's peace, it brings people closer together and, above all, it's employment and income. Tourism is a sector that will continue to be crucial for generating jobs and income," he said.

The vice-president emphasised Brazil's uniqueness on the global stage. "Brazil, as the fifth largest country in the world in terms of land area, is the only large country without ice on its territory. This racial and ethnic diversity makes the Brazilian people one of the most welcoming in the world," said Alckmin. He also noted that, despite the difficulties faced globally, Brazil has seen positive advances: "GDP grew by almost 3% last year, unemployment fell to 6.9%, income rose by 11%, and inflation fell. All this is good for tourism.

It's important that we expand and facilitate access to visas from Brazil, increasing the number of foreigners in the country.

Alckmin reinforced the objectives of the National Tourism Plan, which aims to increase the arrival of foreign tourists to Brazil. "We are working to facilitate access to visas, which is crucial to bringing more visitors to Brazil. We want to reach 10 million foreign tourists by 2027, and we hope that this year we will reach almost 7 million," he said. He pointed out that the favourable exchange rate makes tourism to Brazil more accessible and that the increase in domestic tourism will also benefit.

Alckmin also highlighted the advances in environmental preservation, which benefit tourism. "Deforestation in the Amazon has fallen significantly. In 2022, 10,000 square kilometres were deforested, and we managed to halve it. This year, we hope to reduce it even more, including illegal deforestation," he said.

Concluding his speech, the vice-president reaffirmed his support for tourism as a vital sector for the Brazilian economy. "Tourism distributes income and generates many jobs, especially in small and medium-sized businesses. It is a labour-intensive sector and fundamental for economic development," Alckmin concluded.