AGP Executive Report

Live Music Travel: U2 will bring two shows each to São Paulo and Buenos Aires in February and March 2027, with Beck opening. The Latin American dates launch the band’s stadium tour and could draw fans across the region. Amazon Cruises: Princess Cruises plans to return to the Amazon in 2028–29, with a Santarém call and a new 64-night South America voyage combining the river, Antarctica and the Panama Canal. Iguazu Falls: Rising river levels after heavy rain have prompted fresh access restrictions, following a recent safety shutdown and reopening. Air Connectivity: Lufthansa’s planned 44.9% stake in TAP could shape a key link for Brazil: the Portuguese carrier serves 15 Brazilian cities and carried 2.2 million passengers to and from the country last year. Beach Tourism: Brazil increased its Blue Flag beach certifications by 25%, strengthening its lead in South America.

Iguazu Falls: Record river flows after heavy rain have forced renewed access restrictions on both sides of the Brazil-Argentina attraction. Brazil’s main walkway and other areas are closed; check park updates before visiting. Travel Trade: Brasil DNA’s virtual roadshow connected 187 U.S. and Canadian travel professionals with more than 90 Brazilian suppliers, opening new opportunities to promote the country. Air Links: Portugal has chosen Lufthansa to take a 44.9% stake in TAP. The airline’s Lisbon routes are a key link between Brazil, Europe and other markets. Cruises: Princess Cruises will return to the Amazon in 2028, while Crystal Grace is set to visit Brazil during its first South American season in 2029. Beaches: Brazil increased its Blue Flag-certified beaches by 25%, strengthening its lead in South America.

Travel Trade: Embratur-linked Brasil DNA’s virtual roadshow connected 187 U.S. and Canadian travel professionals with Brazilian suppliers, generating 551 business meetings. Beaches: Brands are bringing sports, music and wellness activations to Brazilian shores ahead of summer, while Blue Flag beach certifications rose 25%, strengthening Brazil’s regional standing. Visitor Access: Iguazu Falls has reopened after a safety shutdown caused by record water flows. Air Connectivity: Lufthansa’s planned 44.9% stake in TAP could shape routes through Lisbon, whose Brazil links are a major asset; the deal still needs EU approval. Cruises: Princess Cruises will return to the Amazon in 2028 after more than a decade, with Santarém on its itinerary and more than 250 Americas departures planned for the 2028–29 season.

Travel Demand: Brazil is among the South American destinations seeing particularly strong growth, Trip.com CEO Jane Sun said at a Bangkok travel forum, as travellers venture farther afield. Cruise Tourism: Princess Cruises will bring ships back to the Amazon in its 2028–29 Americas season, while Semester at Sea has opened its cruise season in Salvador. Rio Celebrations: Belmond is promoting a Copacabana Palace New Year’s Eve banquet and fireworks, alongside a newly renovated pool wing with a new restaurant and wellness centre. Iguazu Access: Surging river levels have prompted temporary closures at the falls on both sides of the Brazil-Argentina border, disrupting visitor access. Outdoor Escapes: A recent guide spotlights hiking at Cambará do Sul’s Itaimbezinho and Fortaleza canyons, while Iguassu and Mato Grosso do Sul are promoting night-sky experiences.

Cruise News: Princess Cruises will return to the Amazon in 2028–29, with a stop in Santarém among more than 250 Americas departures. A new 64-day South America voyage will combine the Amazon, Antarctica and the Panama Canal. Hotel Demand: Iberostar reported a 7% rise in global sales for the first nine months of 2026, with sales up more than 10% in Brazil among key destinations. Iguazu Update: Heavy rain drove river flows above 12,000 cubic metres per second, prompting temporary visitor restrictions and walkway closures around the falls. Community Tourism: Rio’s Rolé dos Favelados tours offer a local-led look at the port district, exploring the legacy of Olympic-era redevelopment and the area’s cultural life.

Iguazu Access: El Niño-fuelled rain drove the river to more than six times its average flow, prompting temporary visitor-access closures on both sides of the falls. Argentina’s park reopened Tuesday as levels eased; check local updates before travelling. Adventure Travel: A new guide highlights hiking Brazil’s Itaimbezinho and Fortaleza canyons in Cambará do Sul, while Iguassu and Mato Grosso do Sul are promoting night-sky experiences. Cruise Tourism: Semester at Sea has opened its cruise season in Salvador, bringing another ship visit to the Bahia capital. Regional Connectivity: Brazil has approved a new border crossing with Bolivia for international passengers and cargo, potentially easing overland travel between the countries.

Iguassu Travel: Record-high water flows have closed a walkway at Brazil’s Iguazu Falls. Check access updates before planning a visit. Night-Sky Tourism: Iguassu Falls and Mato Grosso do Sul are promoting new ways to experience the night sky, adding after-dark activities to two nature-focused destinations. Salvador Cruises: Semester at Sea has opened its cruise season in Salvador, bringing another international visitor arrival to the city. Family Stays: Blue Tree Thermas de Lins has been recognized as a family escape, putting the inland São Paulo resort in the spotlight. Border Travel: Brazil has approved a new Bolivia border crossing for international passengers and cargo, creating another potential route between the countries.

Iguazu Falls: A riverside walkway closed after heavy rain pushed water flow to 8.8 million litres per second—about six times the historical average. The national park remains open while authorities monitor conditions. Travel Awards: Blue Tree Thermas de Lins was named Brazil’s Leading Family Resort 2026, while W Premium Lounge Curitiba won South America’s Leading Airport Lounge. Salvador Cruises: The city’s season has opened with 16 ships and more than 50 calls expected; port officials forecast nearly 185,000 passengers, plus 50,000 crew. New Experiences: Stargazing tours at Iguassu Falls and in Mato Grosso do Sul are bringing astronomy and Guarani knowledge into nature-focused trips. Air Links: WestJet plans up to three weekly Calgary–São Paulo flights from December through January, using Boeing 787-9s.

Air Links: WestJet plans to launch seasonal Calgary–São Paulo flights in December, with up to three weekly services and 27 round trips scheduled through January, adding a direct connection between Canada and Brazil. Cruise Tourism: Salvador has opened its 2026–27 cruise season with the World Odyssey’s six-day visit. The port expects 16 ships, more than 50 calls and nearly 185,000 passengers; MSC Virtuosa is set to bring more than 4,500 passengers a week on its Brazil sailings.

Border Access: Brazil has approved a new international crossing linking Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade, in Mato Grosso, with Bolivia’s Santa Cruz region. It is not open to regular passenger traffic yet: customs clearance and border facilities must be in place first. Paving work is under way on the Brazilian approach road. Border Technology: A palm-vein biometrics pilot has also launched at the Brazil–Paraguay bridge crossing.

Border Access: A palm-vein biometrics pilot at the Brazil–Paraguay bridge could streamline cross-border checks for travelers. Sports Tourism: The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup is projected to generate about R$8.8 billion for Brazil’s economy, pointing to a major visitor and spending opportunity. Air Connectivity: Delta–LATAM capacity in the Americas has risen 31%, with the partnership carrying 17.4 million travelers. Travel Tech: Opera’s Android browser is offering eligible users 3GB of free eSIM data for three days, a handy option for visitors needing mobile access abroad.

Rio Spotlight: Conor Kennedy and Brazilian singer Giulia Be are celebrating their wedding with a three-day event in Rio, drawing attention to the city’s luxury hotels and Christ the Redeemer backdrop. Border Travel: Brazil is testing palm-vein biometrics at the Friendship Bridge customs crossing with Paraguay, a pilot that could streamline border processing. World Cup Economy: The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup is forecast to generate about R$8.8 billion for Brazil, adding to the tournament’s promise as a tourism and business draw. Air Connectivity: Delta–LATAM capacity has risen 31%, with the partnership carrying 17.4 million travelers, strengthening links across South America.

Border Travel: Brazil and Paraguay have begun testing palm-vein biometrics at the Friendship Bridge border crossing, a new trial in travel processing. Airline Jobs: Emirates is recruiting pilots and cabin crew in Brazil, signaling fresh hiring activity in the country’s aviation market. Regional Connections: Dominican carrier Arajet carried 7,117 passengers on Brazil routes in September, as it ranked second in passenger traffic to and from the Dominican Republic. World Cup Outlook: The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil is forecast to generate about R$8.8 billion for the economy, with tourism among the sectors watching for a boost.

Inbound Travel: Chinese travelers’ ride bookings across Latin America rose 90% during the National Day holiday, while bookings in Rio de Janeiro climbed more than fivefold, pointing to growing demand for local transport among visitors. Women’s World Cup: European qualifying play-offs for Brazil 2027 began this week; the tournament is forecast to generate about R$8.8 billion for the economy. Cruises: P&O’s winter 2028–29 program includes 130 destinations worldwide, with an extended stay in Rio de Janeiro.

New Air Link: WestJet plans to launch three weekly Calgary–São Paulo flights on Dec. 15, its first South American route and the only nonstop passenger service between Western Canada and the continent. The seasonal service is now scheduled to run only through Feb. 14. Brazilian Visitors: Spending by Brazilian visitors at Toronto’s 2026 film festival rose about 40% year over year, while lodging spending across international visitors increased about 10%. Border Travel: Brazil and Paraguay are testing palm-vein biometrics at the Friendship Bridge customs crossing, a pilot aimed at streamlining border processing. Regional Tourism: Brazilian arrivals to the Caribbean rose 60% in the low season, adding to demand beyond the region’s traditional peak months. Greece and Brazil are also moving to expand tourism cooperation.

Border Travel: Brazil is testing palm-vein scans for pedestrians crossing the Friendship Bridge at Foz do Iguaçu into Paraguay. The pilot aims to speed crossings and improve customs checks; scans currently track repeat passages without linking them to travelers’ identities. Cruises: Silversea has opened sales for 103 voyages in its 2028–29 collection, including Rio Carnival sailings and a South America circumnavigation aboard Silver Nova. Tourism Investment: Guyana’s president urged Caribbean destinations to invest in transport and visitor infrastructure, pointing to Brazil’s planned US$2.1 billion in luxury tourism development over three years.