Jan
25
Brazilian tourists in Central Florida spend the day shopping at the Orlando Premium Outlets near Disney World.
Orlando — “Oi — Sejam bem-vindos!” — meaning “Hi, welcome!” — is a Portuguese phrase heard more and more these days at Florida’s tourist spots.
That’s because Florida is the top U.S. vacation destination for Brazilians, who are taking advantage of a favorable exchange rate and low prices. Brazilians outnumbered all other international travelers to Florida in 2011, up 41% from the previous year, according to state tourism officials.
And there’s no sign of this Brazilian invasion slowing down: The U.S.