Portugal | Travel & Tourism Sector is Experiencing a Golden Era

 New data fromthe World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) , reveals that Portugal’s Travel & Tourism sector is projected to continue growing this year, following a landmark year in 2024 that saw the industry surpassed all previous peaks across economic contribution, employment, and visitor spending and reached its highest levels on record ,and with the strong performances of this year is experiencing a golden era.

Portugal’s tourism success can be attributed to a combination of factors including its rich history and culture, vibrant cities, diverse landscapes, stunning beaches, welcoming atmosphere and affordable prices, the country compared to many other European destinations offers good value for money. 

The country is also investing significantly in infrastructure, including airports, roads, and public transportation, making it more accessible and convenient for travellers, and the development of high - quality hotels and accommodations is also playing a crucial role in attracting visitors.

 In addition Portugal has implemented strategic tourism planning initiatives to promote the country as a destination with a diversified offering, this include promoting different regions, cities, towns and villages developing unique tourism products beyond the traditional, and investing in human resources to ensure high – quality service. 

 The government has also focused on attracting different types of tourists, including those interested in culture, nature, adventure, and gastronomy.

2025 is set to match historic performance as sector builds on record – breaking 2024. According to the latest EIR, Economic Impact Research developed by the World Travel & Tourism Council in collaboration with Oxford Economics, leading global economic advisory firm, providing data – driven insights and forecasts to help clients navigate complex economic landscapes, Travel & Tourism in Portugal is forecast to contribute €62.7 billion to the national economy this year, representing 21.5% of GDP, and towering above the 2019 peak by nearly 38%.

The sector is a major employer, last year it contributed to €60.6 billion to the economy, equivalent to 21.3% of national GDP, and supported 1.2 million jobs, which is nearly 23% of the total employment in Portugal, that is close to one in four jobs in the country, 200.000 more than its previous high.

In 2025 expenditure in expected to hit new highs with international visitor spending reaching €31.8 billion, while domestic spending is forecast to reach €22.9 billion, growing by 24.2% and 59.5% on 2019 levels, respectively, reflecting continued strength in both inbound and local demand.

World Travel & Tourism Council’s long - term outlook signals even greater potential in the years to come. By 2035, Travle & Tourism in Portugal is projected to contribute more than €74.6 billion to GDP, accounting for 22.6% of the national economy.

The sector is expected to support 1.4 million jobs, reinforcing its role as a vital engine of economic opportunity and social development.Spending by international visitors could reach €40.6 billion, while domestic spending is forecast to rise €25.8 billion, confirming the tourism industry’s central role in the country’s long - term economic strategy.

In 2024, the European Union Travel & Tourism sector contributed almost €1.8 trillion to the region GDP, representing more than 10% of the Bloc’s economy, and above 2019 levels by almost 6%. The sector’s employment grew by 4.7% year - year, to 24.6 million jobs, accounting for one in nine jobs across the region.

By the end of 2025, WTTC forecasts that the European Union Travel sector will reach almost €1.9 trillion representing 10.5% of the EU economy. Employment linked to the industry is estimated to total 25.7 million people, or 12% of the regional total.

In the tourism landscape Portugal will continue to shine, confirming to experience a golden era. The country has demonstrated a strong recovery from the pandemic, relevant performances, reaching record - breaking levels in 2023, continuing top show very positive trends in 2024 and this year. 

 
Link 
https://wttc.org/news/portugals-travel-tourism-sector-enters-golden-era