Portugal anticipates tourism revenues exceeding €53 billion

Pedro Machado, speaking in Lagoa, in the Faro district, during the congress of the Portuguese Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Similar Establishments (AHRESP), said that the Tourism Strategy 2035 “is approved and awaiting public presentation”.

The plan, which succeeds the Tourism Strategy 2027, “has a great ambition, which is, in essence, to continue growing in gross added value,” the official argued.

2026 results

The Secretary of State then revealed that Portugal should close 2026 “probably above 30 million international tourists” [non-residents] and “above” €30 billion in revenue.

For 2035, data from the World Tourism Organisation cited by Pedro Machado points to "practically 50 million international tourists" and revenue "above" €53 billion.

The Tourism Strategy 2035 "aims to correct regional asymmetries" and generate "greater development, greater growth, greater wealth and the distribution of that wealth" across the territory, the official highlighted.

Less investment in tourism

Questioned by the moderators about an alleged decrease in tourism investment in the 2027 State Budget (OE2027), Pedro Machado claimed that there is "an adjustment," essentially due to the end of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), among other programs that will not be executed by Turismo de Portugal next year.

Although regional tourism entities have received the same amount, around €16.4 million, from the State Budget for several years, the official stressed that "the political option" has been to reinforce support through Turismo de Portugal.

With this aid, the total support in 2027 will be around €30 million, "which means it is a very substantial reinforcement" for tourism regions and external promotion agencies, declared Pedro Machado.

In this context, the Secretary of State for Tourism considered that it is necessary to strengthen the presence of Turismo de Portugal "in emerging markets", namely Asia, the United States, Mexico and Australia.