Carnival sales in Brazil likely to reach BRL 8.1 bi

In 2023, Brazil should have its ordinary Carnival week after the pandemic. This year’s festivities should raise BRL 8.18 billion in revenue—up 26.9 percent from last year. The estimate was made public this week by the National Confederation of Trade of Goods, Services, and Tourism (CNC).

It is the most important date in Brazilian tourism. “Even those who don’t like Carnival end up spending money on trips to the countryside or overseas,” said CNC economist Fabio Bentes.

The revenue from the celebrations in 2023 should be 3.3 percent below the one recorded in 2020 (before the pandemic), when tourism generated BRL 8.47 billion. “The only reason why it should fall short of 2020 is because economic conditions worsened between the Carnival seasons of 2022 and 2023.”

Interest and prices

Among the drawbacks were the increase in interest rates—which affect those purchasing tourism packages on credit—and price hikes—especially for airline tickets, which were up 23.53 percent over the course of 2022 compared to the year prior. Services in high demand at this time of year—lodging (8.21%) and tour packages (7.16%)—are also on the rise, with prices surging high above 2022’s 5.79-percent inflation.

“If we had a better landscape for consumption, tourism in 2023’s Carnival season could certainly reach at least that same level of revenue,” the specialist said.

Sectors

The sectors likely to account for nearly 84 percent of all revenue generated in this year’s Carnival week are bars and restaurants (with estimated turnover of BRL 3.63 billion), passenger transportation companies (BRL 2.35 billion), and accommodation services in hotels and inns (BRL 0.89 billion).

Festivities this year will start on Saturday (Feb. 18) and end Tuesday (21). The dates are more flexible in large cities, like Rio de Janeiro.