Research note: The Determinants of International Tourism Demand for Brazil

The aim of this article is to identify the main determinants of international tourism flows to Brazil during the period 2004–2013, using the gravity model. The study adopted an econometric strategy of panel data (pooled ordinary least squares estimators that were heteroscedasticity corrected—together with the generalized method of moments system estimator). The variables of a common border and geographical distance showed that proximity was essential to explain tourism demand for Brazil. The exchange rate was positively correlated with tourism demand. The results indicate that the “Aquarela Plan 2020,” developed by the Ministry of Tourism for promotion of the country abroad, is consistent with the main determinants of international tourism demands for Brazil.