Portugal Tourism Shows Strong Growth in 2025 with More than Twenty three Billion Euro Revenue and Increased Foreign Spending

Published on November 22, 2025

Portugal surpassed €23.5 billion in total tourism revenue in 2025. According to the Bank of Portugal, there was a 4.2% increase in tourism revenue for the same time period as last year. An increase in spending from foreign tourists in Portugal was the catalyst for this increase. Portugal’s tourism sector revenue, in September of 2025 was €3,212.76 million giving a gain of €128.57 million over the revenue for the same month in 2024. This gain was attributed to higher foreign spending in Portugal over previous September finances.

It is likely that there was a €187 million increase in the services balance surplus because international tourists spent €187 million more in Portugal, validating the Bank of Portugal’s estimations of the increase in surplus attributed to increased tourism. This is more proof, if needed, that the tourism sector is becoming more and more relevant to the overall balance of the country Portugal.

Seasonality Remains a Challenge Despite Strong Yearly Performance

While the September figures show strong year-over-year growth, they also reflect the seasonal nature of Portugal’s tourism industry. The €3.2 billion recorded in September marks the highest tourism revenue for the month, but it also highlights the significant seasonality in tourism revenues. The figure represents a 26% decrease compared to August 2025, when tourism revenue reached €4,347.98 million. This monthly drop amounts to €1,134.22 million, reflecting the typical trend seen in Portugal’s tourism, where the summer months experience higher visitor numbers and greater spending.

Tourism Imports Also See an Increase, Though Impacted by Seasonality

Along with the increase in tourism revenue, tourism imports which measure the spending by Portuguese tourists abroad also experienced growth in September. According to Bank of Portugal data, tourism imports grew by 1.7%, reaching €739.14 million, or €13.47 million more than in September 2024. However, like tourism revenue, tourism imports also exhibited seasonal fluctuations, dropping by €144.68 million from August to September, reflecting a 16.4% decrease in monthly spending abroad. This seasonal decline is a common feature of Portugal’s tourism import statistics, as fewer Portuguese citizens travel abroad in the fall and winter months.

Growth in Foreign Tourism Exports: A Strong Year for Portugal

Despite the seasonal fluctuations, Portugal’s tourism sector has maintained its strength, thanks in part to its increasing popularity as a global travel destination. Foreign tourists continue to flock to Portugal’s cities, beaches, and historical sites, with key markets including the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. In 2025, Portugal recorded 2.2 million international arrivals, further demonstrating the country’s growing appeal as a top European destination.

The increase in foreign tourist spending is likely to continue, as Portugal offers a rich array of attractions from the historic streets of Lisbon and Porto, to the scenic coastlines of the Algarve and Madeira, and the vineyards of the Douro Valley. The country’s offerings of cultural tourism, culinary experiences, and luxury resorts are attracting a diverse range of travelers, ensuring continued revenue growth.

Tourism Strategy to Address Seasonality and Expand Year-Round Appeal

To address the seasonal nature of tourism revenue, the Portuguese Ministry of Tourism has been working on initiatives aimed at increasing the country’s appeal beyond the summer months. These efforts include marketing campaigns targeting off-season travel, as well as the promotion of cultural festivals, gastronomic events, and eco-tourism throughout the autumn and winter seasons.

Additionally, the tourism ministry is focusing on improving infrastructure and regional tourism development, ensuring that smaller towns and rural areas benefit from the country’s tourism success. As the country seeks to make its tourism more resilient and less dependent on the summer months, a greater emphasis is being placed on offering unique experiences that attract visitors year-round.

Tourism’s Role in Portugal’s Economic Future

With tourism contributing significantly to Portugal’s GDP, these trends underline the importance of tourism development to the national economy. The government’s focus on sustainable tourism and infrastructure investment is crucial for ensuring that the industry remains competitive and continues to offer high-quality experiences to visitors. In the coming years, Portugal’s tourism sector is expected to continue its positive growth trajectory, supported by strong demand for cultural tourism, eco-tourism, and local experiences.

As the tourism sector continues to grow, tourism revenues will play a key role in Portugal’s economic development, supporting jobs, businesses, and community initiatives throughout the country. The tourism authorities are keen to maintain this momentum by continuing to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of the global travel market.