American Visa Applications Increase by 70% in February

The number of tourists from the United States is expected to grow in the coming months. In February, visa applications increased by 70% compared to the same period in 2017. According to the Brazilian Institute of Tourism (Embratur), the increase was driven by the opportunity for tourists from that country to apply for an electronic visa.Global AttractionFour countries benefited from the electronic visa, including the United States. An increase in visa applications was observed in all of them: Japan (+26%), Australia (+57%), and Canada (+4%). In a statement, Embratur informs that the agency plans to promote advertising actions in Canada (which has not yet occurred), so that the increase in applications from the North American country is even more significant.Tourism Boosts the EconomyAmerican organizations predict that in about three or four years, American tourists will generate $1.5 billion in the Brazilian economy – a figure well above the current $710 million. The United States is the country with the second largest number of tourists visiting Brazil. Argentina is first.Well ReceivedIn Australia, where the electronic visa has been in operation since November 2017, about 98% of tourists opt for the document issued entirely online, as opposed to the traditional visa. According to Embratur, in the USA, the new method was chosen by 65% of tourists; in Canada, by 72%, and in Japan, by 33%.Source: brazilgovnews