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Canadians, Brazilians, and More Surge as Top International Tourists to Orlando, Florida in 2025 with Strong Growth from São Paulo, Toronto, and Mexico City – The Ultimate Travel Guide
Published on
January 3, 2026
Central Florida, especially Orlando, continues to experience a significant influx of international visitors, with Canada and Brazil emerging as key sources of tourists in 2025. According to VisitOrlando, Brazil was recognized as Orlando’s third-largest international market in 2024, attracting nearly 700,000 guests. This surge is being fueled by increased air connectivity, targeted marketing campaigns, and an evolving tourist landscape. With these two countries leading the charge, Orlando is becoming a prominent destination for travelers seeking both leisure and professional experiences.
Surge in Brazilian and Canadian Tourism to Orlando
In recent years, Brazil has been contributing significantly to Orlando’s visitor numbers, and projections show that the trend will continue into 2025. From March 2024 to March 2025, Toronto ranked as the top international origin for travelers arriving at Orlando International Airport (MCO), making it the leader in Canadian visitors. The data highlights that Canadian flights have been consistently bringing more travelers to the region. Airlines such as JetBlue and Southwest are continuing to dominate the skies, while Copa Airlines, primarily operating flights from South America, accounted for 7.1% of all international flights into Orlando in the previous year.
This growth in international flights is not limited to air traffic alone. Orlando Kart Center, a popular leisure spot, saw a dramatic shift in its clientele over the past decade. According to the center’s owner, Andre Martins, the customer base has transitioned from predominantly Europeans to a greater representation of South American and Canadian tourists. Martins, a Brazilian national, explained that there’s a noticeable increase in Brazilian and Canadian guests, particularly during the winter months when many Canadians travel to warmer climates like Florida.
Latin American Visitors Add to Orlando’s Tourism Boom
Orlando’s transformation as a hub for Latin American travelers is also becoming more pronounced. In addition to Brazilian tourists, Mexico City, San José (Costa Rica), and São Paulo rank among the top international markets feeding into Orlando’s tourism infrastructure. Over 30% of participants in events like the Rok Cup held at Orlando Kart Center are from countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. These racers and their teams often spend significant amounts, contributing to the local economy. According to Michael Burrell, the Program Director of the Rok Cup, an event can see a total spend of up to $20,000 per racer or team.
Targeted Campaigns Boost Travel from Canada and Brazil
In response to this rising trend, VisitOrlando launched several promotional campaigns aimed at attracting more visitors from Canada. Their fall and winter campaign in 2024-2025 focused on encouraging Canadian tourists to visit Orlando during off-peak seasons. Additionally, the agency expanded its outreach efforts in Brazil, even sending teams to the country’s sales week to further boost Orlando’s appeal.
These efforts seem to be paying off, as Martins from the Orlando Kart Center observed an increase in customer numbers during this period. He claims that Orlando’s appeal as a destination, combined with the marketing initiatives targeting Brazilian and Canadian tourists, has resulted in 30% more drivers than any other karting facility in the U.S. during certain events.
Growing Airlines’ Impact on International Travel
The international air travel market to Orlando is also becoming increasingly robust. As mentioned, the top international airlines flying into Orlando in 2024-2025 were JetBlue, Southwest, Air Canada, Copa Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic. The presence of Air Canada underscores the importance of the Canadian market, as the airline continues to bring travelers from major Canadian cities such as Toronto and Montreal.
During the fiscal year 2024-2025, international travel to Orlando increased by about 9%, with more Canadian and Latin American travelers choosing Orlando as their preferred destination. These trends suggest that Orlando’s international tourism market will continue to expand, driven by enhanced air connectivity and strategic marketing efforts.
Travel Tips for Canadian and Brazilian Tourists Visiting Orlando
Booking Flights Early: To secure the best prices, tourists from Canada and Brazil should book flights to Orlando early, especially during the winter months when demand is high.
Explore Beyond the Theme Parks: While Orlando is famous for its theme parks, visitors should also explore the local culture, such as the Leu Gardens and Lake Eola Park.
Rent a Car for Flexibility: Orlando offers great driving opportunities for visitors. Renting a car allows tourists from both countries to explore more of the Central Florida area at their own pace.
Learn Basic English Phrases: While Orlando is a diverse and international city, knowing basic English can help Brazilian tourists, in particular, feel more comfortable navigating the city.
Cultural Events and Festivals: Visitors should time their visit to coincide with events like Mardi Gras at Universal Studios or the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival to make their Orlando trip even more memorable.
Orlando’s Future as a Global Travel Hub
The tourism boom in Orlando is undeniable, with Canadians and Brazilians playing key roles in sustaining this growth. As Orlando continues to position itself as a global travel hub, both leisure and professional tourists from South America and Canada will be crucial to its success. With continued efforts to expand international air services and promotional campaigns targeting these key markets, Orlando is set to remain a premier travel destination for years to come.
An Exciting Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
As international travel to Orlando surges, especially from Canada and Brazil, this region of Central Florida will likely see sustained growth in the coming years. From cultural exchanges to business tourism, the mix of visitors is set to enrich the local economy and strengthen Orlando’s global tourism appeal.
