ABAV Expo 2026 attracts over 35,000 participants in São Paulo

The 53rd ABAV Expo 2026 in São Paulo has drawn over 35,000 participants and more than 2,000 brands, serving as a major hub for business meetings and networking within the Latin American tourism sector. The event highlighted significant trends, including a surge in Chinese tourism to Brazil, which saw a 73.3% increase in visitors between January and August 2026 compared to the previous year.

Industry leaders and regional representatives used the platform to promote local destinations and expand connectivity. Sebrae presented five distinct tourism routes across Brazil's regions, focusing on cultural identity and environmental preservation. Additionally, Azul Linhas Aéreas announced plans to strengthen international routes, including seasonal direct flights between Recife and Orlando, as well as new connections from Belém to Fort Lauderdale.

Other notable developments include the restructuring of the ‘O Melhor de Viagem e Turismo’ awards to include regional categories and the promotion of specific coastal routes, such as the Rota das Falésias in Ceará and the Costa do Cacau in Bahia. The event also addressed the integration of technology in tourism, such as AI-driven security for cruise terminals in Salvador and Ilhéus.