Brazil Bookings from U.S. Travelers up 112 Percent, says U.K. Wholesaler

Leisure travel from Brazil to the United States more than doubled, with a 112 percent increase in bookings, according to a report from UK-based travel wholesaler JacTravel released at the World Travel Market Latin America in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

JacTravel officials attribute the increase to U.S. government visa reforms. Prior to early 2012, visas could be issued only by the four U.S. consulates in Brazil and the waiting time was 100 days.  

However, since March of 2012, after the U.S. State Department added processing staff and opened new offices, waiting times are down to one week or a few days in some places, according to the report. During the same period demand for U.S. tourist visas has increased more than 60 percent.

Source: Travel Pulse, http://www.travelpulse.com/brazil-bookings-from-us-travelers-up-112-percent-says-uk-wholesaler.html