Mascarenhas Gomes

Tourism is an activity that has stood out in recent years. Thus, the overall objective of this study was to analyse the contribution of this activity to Brazil’s economic growth, showing the evolution of some economic indicators for the period from 2000 to 2013, such as the economic impacts of tourism on the balance of payments, the direct and total contribution of travel and tourism to job creation, foreign exchange earnings worldwide, in South America and in Brazil, as well as capital investment in the sector and tourist arrivals during the period. The methodology was characterised by descriptive research, developed through the analysis of secondary data obtained through research in institutions linked to tourism and research institute websites. The study found that tourism has positive impacts on the generation of direct and indirect jobs and on the country’s GDP. However, in relation to foreign exchange earnings, Brazil had deficits in its international travel account, showing that, although the country can attract significant amounts of foreign currency, these amounts are not sufficient to cover the expenses of Brazilians abroad.