Boost in tourism revenues record €2.6 billion
Portugal Sees Record Tourism Revenue in May 2025
Portugal's tourism sector experienced a significant boost in May 2025, according to data from the Bank of Portugal (BdP). The country recorded a notable increase in tourism revenue and imports compared to the same period in 2024 and the previous month.
Foreign tourist spending in Portugal grew by 6.1% in May 2025, reaching over €2.6 billion, a historical high for that month. This represented an increase of €149.84 million from May 2024 and a 15.5% increase compared to April 2025.
The first five months of 2025 showed moderate but steady growth in tourism activity, with around 11.73 million guests (both residents and non-residents) and 28.34 million overnight stays. Growth was especially driven by resident demand, supporting the expansion of tourism revenue.
Seasonal and event factors also played a role. April included Easter holidays, during which Portuguese travelers spent more abroad. May saw a relative decline in Portuguese outbound travel by 0.7% compared to April, indicating more inbound tourism and higher tourist spending domestically.
Tourism represents over 16% of Portugal's GDP, and the sector continues to expand moderately, contributing to domestic economic growth and enhancing the service sector's performance. Improved public finances and steady overall GDP growth likely support increased tourism activity.
Regarding tourism imports (Portuguese tourists' spending abroad), these also increased by 4.8% year-on-year in May 2025, reaching €629.33 million. Through May 2025, tourism imports totalled €2,271.99 million, representing a 4.4% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The surge in tourism revenue and increased imports in May 2025 can be attributed to rising foreign tourist arrivals and spending in Portugal, moderate overall growth in tourism demand, especially domestic, seasonal holiday patterns influencing outbound travel and spending, and the expansion of tourism’s economic role in Portugal’s GDP. General positive economic trends also support tourism consumption.
By the end of May 2025, tourism revenue had reached €9,843.92 million, representing a 5.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The Travel and Tourism balance in May 2025 was €1,972.29 million, representing a 6.5% increase compared to May 2024, with this indicator increasing by €120.84 million. The balance increase through May 2025 was €402.47 million compared to the same period in 2024.
In conclusion, Portugal's tourism sector has shown resilience and growth in 2025, with May being a particularly strong month for tourism revenue. The positive trends in the sector are expected to continue, contributing to Portugal's economic growth and development.
[1] Bank of Portugal (BdP) data for May 2025 and comparison with May 2024 and April 2025. [2] Bank of Portugal (BdP) data for the periods of May 2025 and May 2024, and through May 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. [3] No new fact could be extracted from the paragraph due to the repetition of previously mentioned facts. [4] Bank of Portugal (BdP) data for the accumulated total through May 2025 and comparison with the same period in 2024. [5] Bank of Portugal (BdP) data for the increase in tourism imports through May 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
- Given Portugal's thriving tourism sector, several businesses in the country might find opportunities in capitalizing on the rise in foreign tourist spending, particularly those that cater to the tourism industry.
- The growth in tourism revenue and increased imports in Portugal could potentially attract interest from foreign investors seeking opportunities in a prospering economy. This could also stimulate business expansion within the finance sector.
