“Visits from Brazilian tourists were up 15 percent in the first six months of the year in Miami, Aedo said. They make up the second-largest group of international visitors — Canadians are first — but come in first in spending.
Brazilian visitors like South Florida for a few reasons, said tour company manager Arturo Perchemlian: “beach, shopping and the clubs.”
He said his company, Miami-based Tours Gone Wild, has seen an increase in Brazilians traveling to Miami in recent years as the currency has strengthened. The company offers shopping tours to outlets like Sawgrass Mills for visitors who want to shop for bargains. “It’s a huge draw,” he said. “It could even just pay for itself if somebody comes for a shopping spree.”
Throughout Florida, tourism from Brazil increased 29 percent in 2009 over the previous year, Seccombe said.
Tourism boosters nationwide are seeking to increase the number of Brazilian tourists by getting the U.S. government to add the country to its visa waiver program.
“The whole country recognizes the power of Brazilian tourism,” Aedo said. “Everyone wants Brazilian tourists.”
