The tourism sector in Portugal has once again proven to be an essential driver of the national economy, showing robust growth indicators in 2024 that continue and consolidate in the first months of 2025.
In 2024, tourist accommodation in Portugal registered 31.6 million guests, representing an increase of 5.2% compared to 2023, and 80.3 million overnight stays, with year-on-year growth of 4.0%. This dynamic translates into total revenues of €6.7 billion, a significant increase of 10.9% compared to the previous year.
As for overnight stays, growth was balanced, with resident overnight stays increasing by 2.4% and non-resident overnight stays growing by 4.8%. These results show the consolidation of domestic tourism, as well as the strengthening of Portugal’s international appeal as a destination.
Total revenue generated by tourism in 2024 reached €27.7 billion, corresponding to an increase of 8.8% compared to 2023. The international markets that contributed most to this performance were the United States (+13.9%), the Netherlands (+13.5%) and Switzerland (+10.4%).
Indicators until May 2025
The positive trend in the sector continues in 2025, with preliminary data up to May confirming the resilience and continued growth of tourism in Portugal.
In May 2025, tourist accommodation recorded 3.2 million guests (+2.6%) and 7.8 million overnight stays (+1.3%), generating €717 million in total revenue (+8.7%) and €550.6 million in room revenue (+8.9%).
From January to May 2025, the sector recorded 11.7 million guests (+3.9%) and 28.3 million overnight stays (+2.3%), with total revenues reaching 2.2 billion euros (+7.9%) and room revenues totalling 1.7 billion euros (+8.0%).
According to data from the Bank of Portugal, the preliminary indicator for the travel and tourism item in the balance of payments points to a 6.1% growth in tourism-related exports in May 2025, totalling €2,601.34 million, while imports grew by 4.8%, reaching €629.15 million.
In the year to May, tourism revenues stood at €9,843.53 million, representing an increase of 5.6% over the same period in 2024. Tourism expenditure also grew, reaching €2,289.29 million, corresponding to an increase of 5.2%.
Outlook and challenges for the sector
These figures demonstrate the continued vitality of tourism in Portugal, showing sustained growth in terms of both demand and revenue. The balance between the increase in overnight stays by residents and non-residents, combined with the significant increase in revenue, reinforces the importance of tourism in the national economy.
However, maintaining this positive trajectory depends on the sector’s ability to address challenges such as environmental sustainability, managing tourist pressure in popular destinations, and adapting to new trends and tourist expectations.
Portugal is therefore in a privileged position to consolidate tourism as a driver of economic and social development through innovation, diversification of supply and investment in quality and technology.
