GITNUXREPORT 2025

Portugal Tourism Statistics

Portugal’s tourism soared with 27M+ visitors, boosting economy and global reputation.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The number of digital nomads choosing Portugal as their base increased by 22% in 2019, especially in Lisbon and Porto

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The country’s tourism marketing campaigns in 2019 reached an audience of over 150 million people worldwide

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Portugal’s urban tourism marketing campaigns increased social media engagement by 40% in 2019, particularly in Lisbon and Porto

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Portugal's investment in digital marketing campaigns increased tourism website traffic by 50% in 2019, aimed at global audiences

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The Douro Valley wine region is a significant attraction, contributing to the country’s wine tourism boom

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The Portuguese government allocated approximately €400 million for tourism development in 2020. (pre-pandemic budget)

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Algarve's beaches are ranked among Europe’s top 10 most beautiful beaches

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Portugal's surfing tourism has increased significantly, with many beaches in the Algarve and Ericeira recognized internationally

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Lisbon is among the top 10 cheapest European cities for tourists, according to TripAdvisor rankings

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Portugal has over 90 certified wine routes promoting wine tourism

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The Douro River cruises are among the most popular tourist activities in northern Portugal

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Portugal’s Lagos area experienced a 25% growth in eco-tourism activities in 2019

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The country features over 200 golf courses, making it a premier golf tourism destination in Europe

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The Silver Coast and Costa da Caparica beaches are increasing in popularity among European surfers

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Portugal’s annual wine festival in Porto attracts over 100,000 visitors each year, contributing significantly to regional tourism

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The city of Braga attracts approximately 2 million religious tourists annually due to its historic religious sites

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Portugal’s tourism sector employment increased by 6% in 2019, adding around 50,000 new jobs

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Portugal's second-home property market has seen a 10% growth driven by tourism demand, especially in the Algarve and Lisbon

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The Azores' whale watching tours gained a 30% increase in tourists in 2019, ranking among top eco-activities

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Portugal's specialty wine regions, such as Vinho Verde and Dão, have seen a combined increase of 18% in tourist visits in 2019

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Portugal boasts over 400 historic squares and plazas that are key tourist attractions

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Portugal's investment in tourism infrastructure reached over €500 million in 2020, focusing on sustainability and accessibility

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Portugal was ranked 7th in the world for best city destinations in 2019 by the EIU

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The eastern region of Portugal reported a 19% rise in tourist stays related to nature and adventure tourism

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The popular Islands of Madeira and the Azores accounted for about 15% of total tourist arrivals in Portugal in 2019

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Portugal's cycling tourism increased by 20% in 2019, driven by scenic routes and events like the Lisbon Green Ride

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Portugal's heritage tourism is supported by over 50 castles and historic forts open for visitors

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Portugal launched several new eco-tourism projects in 2020, aiming to promote sustainable travel

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Portugal's rural guesthouses and agrotourism experienced a 17% growth in bookings in 2019, highlighting a shift towards sustainable tourism

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Tourism contributed approximately 15% to Portugal's GDP in 2019

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Portugal's tourism exports were valued at approximately €15 billion in 2019

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Portugal's rural tourism sector grew by nearly 20% in 2019

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The country’s culinary tourism, including famous dishes like bacalhau and pastéis de nata, boosts tourism revenue

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Portugal ranked 24th in the world in global tourism competitiveness in 2019

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Portugal's eco-lodges and sustainable tourism accommodations grew by 15% in 2019

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Portugal's conference and business tourism sector contributed over €1 billion to the economy in 2019

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Portugal has become a popular destination for film tourism, with several movies and series shot in the country, boosting tourism interest

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Portugal's coastal municipalities generate more than 60% of the country's total tourism revenue

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The popularity of ecotourism in Portugal rose by 20% in 2019, driven by increased environmental awareness

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The country’s film tourism program contributed to a 15% increase in tourism related to movie filming locations

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Portugal's international tourism revenue per visitor averaged €550 in 2019, reflecting the country's high-value tourism segment

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Portugal received over 27 million international visitors in 2019

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The Algarve region accounts for about 30% of Portugal's total international tourism arrivals

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Lisbon attracted over 6 million overnight visitors in 2019

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Portugal's tourist arrivals increased by approximately 14% from 2018 to 2019

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The number of hotel nights spent in Portugal reached over 86 million in 2019

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Portugal ranked 17th in the world for international tourist arrivals in 2019

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The average length of stay for tourists in Portugal was approximately 3.4 nights in 2019

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Over 50% of Portuguese tourists originate from Europe

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The United Kingdom is Portugal's largest source of international tourists, with over 3 million visitors in 2019

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Portugal's cruise port in Lisbon handled over 600,000 cruise passengers in 2019

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The historic center of Lisbon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions annually

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The Azores archipelago saw a 12% increase in tourist arrivals in 2019

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Over 87% of tourists in Portugal are satisfied with their trip, based on recent surveys

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The annual increase in international visitor arrivals to Portugal was approximately 8% from 2014 to 2019

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Portugal's UNESCO-listed monasteries, such as Batalha and Alcobaça, attract thousands annually

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The number of international tourists visiting Portugal’s natural parks increased by 18% in 2019

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The country’s central region, including Coimbra and Aveiro, saw a 10% increase in overnight stays in 2019

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The Portuguese capital is famed for its historic tram tours, which attract over 2 million tourists annually

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Lisbon's nightlife scene is ranked among Europe's top, attracting over 1.5 million visitors for nightlife annually

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Portugal's pilgrimage to Fátima draws approximately 8 million visitors each year

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The Alentejo wine region has seen a consistent increase in wine tourism, with a 14% rise in visitors in 2019

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The country recorded over 350,000 stays in luxury resorts in 2019, indicating a growth in high-end tourism

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The UNESCO World Heritage site of Sintra's palaces and castles drew over 1.2 million visitors in 2019

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The country’s bed and breakfast accommodations increased by 12% in 2019, supporting small-scale tourism

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Over 350 Christian pilgrims visited Fátima annually, making it one of Europe’s top religious tourism destinations

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The number of international cruise visits to Portugal increased by 20% in 2019, bolstering maritime tourism

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Lisbon’s emerging art scene attracted over 1 million visitors in 2019, contributing to urban cultural tourism

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Portugal has seen a 10% increase in the number of international tourists staying in rural accommodations from 2018 to 2019

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The city of Porto attracted over 1.8 million overnight visitors in 2019, representing a steady growth trend

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Over 2 million people visited the historic wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia annually

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The country’s boutique hotels grew by 14% in 2019, indicating a surge in experiential tourism

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The overall number of repeat tourists in Portugal increased by 9% in 2019, indicating high tourist satisfaction and loyalty

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Portugal’s heritage tourism focused on 300+ historical and cultural sites, attracting millions every year

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The country’s multicultural festivals, including the Lisbon Pride and Festas de Lisboa, drew over 2 million tourists in 2019

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Portugal’s national parks received over 1 million visitors in 2019, contributing to eco-tourism and outdoor activities

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Lisbon's hotel occupancy rate was approximately 75% in 2019, indicating high demand

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The UNESCO city of Coimbra extended its historic university tour program, increasing tourist visits by 12%

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Key Highlights

Portugal received over 27 million international visitors in 2019
Tourism contributed approximately 15% to Portugal's GDP in 2019
The Algarve region accounts for about 30% of Portugal's total international tourism arrivals
Lisbon attracted over 6 million overnight visitors in 2019
Portugal's tourist arrivals increased by approximately 14% from 2018 to 2019
The number of hotel nights spent in Portugal reached over 86 million in 2019
Portugal ranked 17th in the world for international tourist arrivals in 2019
The average length of stay for tourists in Portugal was approximately 3.4 nights in 2019
Over 50% of Portuguese tourists originate from Europe
The United Kingdom is Portugal's largest source of international tourists, with over 3 million visitors in 2019
Portugal's tourism exports were valued at approximately €15 billion in 2019
The Douro Valley wine region is a significant attraction, contributing to the country’s wine tourism boom
Portugal's cruise port in Lisbon handled over 600,000 cruise passengers in 2019

Discover why Portugal’s vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and rich history drew over 27 million international visitors in 2019, making it one of Europe’s top travel destinations.

Digital Marketing and Promotional Efforts

The number of digital nomads choosing Portugal as their base increased by 22% in 2019, especially in Lisbon and Porto
The country’s tourism marketing campaigns in 2019 reached an audience of over 150 million people worldwide
Portugal’s urban tourism marketing campaigns increased social media engagement by 40% in 2019, particularly in Lisbon and Porto
Portugal's investment in digital marketing campaigns increased tourism website traffic by 50% in 2019, aimed at global audiences

Digital Marketing and Promotional Efforts Interpretation

Portugal’s savvy digital marketing surge in 2019 transformed its scenic cities into hotspots for digital nomads and global tourists alike, fueling a 22% boost in remote workers choosing Lisbon and Porto as home bases while captivating an audience of over 150 million worldwide.

Regional Tourism Highlights

The Douro Valley wine region is a significant attraction, contributing to the country’s wine tourism boom
The Portuguese government allocated approximately €400 million for tourism development in 2020. (pre-pandemic budget)
Algarve's beaches are ranked among Europe’s top 10 most beautiful beaches
Portugal's surfing tourism has increased significantly, with many beaches in the Algarve and Ericeira recognized internationally
Lisbon is among the top 10 cheapest European cities for tourists, according to TripAdvisor rankings
Portugal has over 90 certified wine routes promoting wine tourism
The Douro River cruises are among the most popular tourist activities in northern Portugal
Portugal’s Lagos area experienced a 25% growth in eco-tourism activities in 2019
The country features over 200 golf courses, making it a premier golf tourism destination in Europe
The Silver Coast and Costa da Caparica beaches are increasing in popularity among European surfers
Portugal’s annual wine festival in Porto attracts over 100,000 visitors each year, contributing significantly to regional tourism
The city of Braga attracts approximately 2 million religious tourists annually due to its historic religious sites
Portugal’s tourism sector employment increased by 6% in 2019, adding around 50,000 new jobs
Portugal's second-home property market has seen a 10% growth driven by tourism demand, especially in the Algarve and Lisbon
The Azores' whale watching tours gained a 30% increase in tourists in 2019, ranking among top eco-activities
Portugal's specialty wine regions, such as Vinho Verde and Dão, have seen a combined increase of 18% in tourist visits in 2019
Portugal boasts over 400 historic squares and plazas that are key tourist attractions
Portugal's investment in tourism infrastructure reached over €500 million in 2020, focusing on sustainability and accessibility
Portugal was ranked 7th in the world for best city destinations in 2019 by the EIU
The eastern region of Portugal reported a 19% rise in tourist stays related to nature and adventure tourism
The popular Islands of Madeira and the Azores accounted for about 15% of total tourist arrivals in Portugal in 2019
Portugal's cycling tourism increased by 20% in 2019, driven by scenic routes and events like the Lisbon Green Ride

Regional Tourism Highlights Interpretation

Portugal's vibrant tapestry of tourism—from the world-renowned Douro wine cruises and top ten beaches to a booming eco and golf scene—paints a picture of a nation capitalizing on its rich cultural, natural, and affordable allure, all while investing over half a billion euros in sustainable infrastructure, ensuring that visitors’ experiences are as memorable as the landscapes they explore.

Specialized Tourism Sectors and Cultural Heritage

Portugal's heritage tourism is supported by over 50 castles and historic forts open for visitors
Portugal launched several new eco-tourism projects in 2020, aiming to promote sustainable travel
Portugal's rural guesthouses and agrotourism experienced a 17% growth in bookings in 2019, highlighting a shift towards sustainable tourism

Specialized Tourism Sectors and Cultural Heritage Interpretation

Portugal's rich tapestry of castles, eco-tourism initiatives, and growing rural guesthouse bookings demonstrates a nation committed to preserving its heritage while boldly stepping toward sustainable travel’s promising horizon.

Tourism Revenue and Contributions

Tourism contributed approximately 15% to Portugal's GDP in 2019
Portugal's tourism exports were valued at approximately €15 billion in 2019
Portugal's rural tourism sector grew by nearly 20% in 2019
The country’s culinary tourism, including famous dishes like bacalhau and pastéis de nata, boosts tourism revenue
Portugal ranked 24th in the world in global tourism competitiveness in 2019
Portugal's eco-lodges and sustainable tourism accommodations grew by 15% in 2019
Portugal's conference and business tourism sector contributed over €1 billion to the economy in 2019
Portugal has become a popular destination for film tourism, with several movies and series shot in the country, boosting tourism interest
Portugal's coastal municipalities generate more than 60% of the country's total tourism revenue
The popularity of ecotourism in Portugal rose by 20% in 2019, driven by increased environmental awareness
The country’s film tourism program contributed to a 15% increase in tourism related to movie filming locations
Portugal's international tourism revenue per visitor averaged €550 in 2019, reflecting the country's high-value tourism segment

Tourism Revenue and Contributions Interpretation

In 2019, Portugal’s tourism sector shined brightly—contributing 15% to GDP, raking in €15 billion in exports, and transforming rural inns, coastal towns, and film sets into lucrative avenues—proving that whether through gourmet bites, eco-lodges, or blockbuster backdrops, the country’s charm was not just scenic but economically compelling.

Visitor Statistics and Accommodation Data

Portugal received over 27 million international visitors in 2019
The Algarve region accounts for about 30% of Portugal's total international tourism arrivals
Lisbon attracted over 6 million overnight visitors in 2019
Portugal's tourist arrivals increased by approximately 14% from 2018 to 2019
The number of hotel nights spent in Portugal reached over 86 million in 2019
Portugal ranked 17th in the world for international tourist arrivals in 2019
The average length of stay for tourists in Portugal was approximately 3.4 nights in 2019
Over 50% of Portuguese tourists originate from Europe
The United Kingdom is Portugal's largest source of international tourists, with over 3 million visitors in 2019
Portugal's cruise port in Lisbon handled over 600,000 cruise passengers in 2019
The historic center of Lisbon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions annually
The Azores archipelago saw a 12% increase in tourist arrivals in 2019
Over 87% of tourists in Portugal are satisfied with their trip, based on recent surveys
The annual increase in international visitor arrivals to Portugal was approximately 8% from 2014 to 2019
Portugal's UNESCO-listed monasteries, such as Batalha and Alcobaça, attract thousands annually
The number of international tourists visiting Portugal’s natural parks increased by 18% in 2019
The country’s central region, including Coimbra and Aveiro, saw a 10% increase in overnight stays in 2019
The Portuguese capital is famed for its historic tram tours, which attract over 2 million tourists annually
Lisbon's nightlife scene is ranked among Europe's top, attracting over 1.5 million visitors for nightlife annually
Portugal's pilgrimage to Fátima draws approximately 8 million visitors each year
The Alentejo wine region has seen a consistent increase in wine tourism, with a 14% rise in visitors in 2019
The country recorded over 350,000 stays in luxury resorts in 2019, indicating a growth in high-end tourism
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Sintra's palaces and castles drew over 1.2 million visitors in 2019
The country’s bed and breakfast accommodations increased by 12% in 2019, supporting small-scale tourism
Over 350 Christian pilgrims visited Fátima annually, making it one of Europe’s top religious tourism destinations
The number of international cruise visits to Portugal increased by 20% in 2019, bolstering maritime tourism
Lisbon’s emerging art scene attracted over 1 million visitors in 2019, contributing to urban cultural tourism
Portugal has seen a 10% increase in the number of international tourists staying in rural accommodations from 2018 to 2019
The city of Porto attracted over 1.8 million overnight visitors in 2019, representing a steady growth trend
Over 2 million people visited the historic wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia annually
The country’s boutique hotels grew by 14% in 2019, indicating a surge in experiential tourism
The overall number of repeat tourists in Portugal increased by 9% in 2019, indicating high tourist satisfaction and loyalty
Portugal’s heritage tourism focused on 300+ historical and cultural sites, attracting millions every year
The country’s multicultural festivals, including the Lisbon Pride and Festas de Lisboa, drew over 2 million tourists in 2019
Portugal’s national parks received over 1 million visitors in 2019, contributing to eco-tourism and outdoor activities
Lisbon's hotel occupancy rate was approximately 75% in 2019, indicating high demand
The UNESCO city of Coimbra extended its historic university tour program, increasing tourist visits by 12%

Visitor Statistics and Accommodation Data Interpretation

In 2019, Portugal’s vibrant mix of historic charm, natural beauty, and cultural allure clocked over 27 million visitors—transforming the nation into Europe's bustling postcard, where even a three-night stay leaves an indelible impression, and the steady influx from Europe, especially the UK, keeps the tourism engine humming happily along its UNESCO-worlded tracks.