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Portugal visa-free policy boosts tourism, complementing a record year with significant growth in travel and infrastructure investments.

Portugal’s visa-free entry policy, applicable to citizens from 64 countries, is being recognized as a central factor in enhancing its status as a prime international travel destination. Additionally, as part of the Schengen Area, Portugal allows visa-free travel between Schengen nations, facilitating seamless movement for millions of European travelers. This policy, which has been in effect, is complemented by a year of record-setting achievements in tourism, including unprecedented traffic at Lisbon Airport and significant growth in the cruise sector. In Portugal, not only are leisure trips to renowned destinations like Lisbon and the Algarve being enjoyed, but corporate and business travel, including event travel and meetings, are also being increasingly pursued. Spain remains the foremost contributor to Portugal’s influx of tourists, followed closely by France, the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. Supported by a robust tourism infrastructure and the “Reactivate Tourism – Building the Future” initiative, involving a €6 billion investment, the country is well-positioned to capitalize on this increased accessibility. With its doors remaining open to a diverse international audience, Portugal is poised for sustained growth and enriched cultural exchanges in the coming years.

TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan said: “Significant infrastructure developments and the visa-free policy have strategically positioned Portugal as a leading destination for both tourism and business travel. Facilities at Lisbon Airport have been upgraded and substantial investments have been made in the cruise sector, positioning Portugal to attract a higher volume of international visitors. This growth is meticulously planned to incorporate sustainable practices, ensuring that the expansion of tourism infrastructure not only enriches the traveler’s experience but also aligns with Portugal’s enduring commitment to environmental sustainability. Such initiatives underscore the dedication to fostering a resilient tourism sector that supports the economy while protecting the rich cultural and natural heritage of Portugal.”

Record-Breaking Tourism in Portugal’s First Quarter

During the initial three months of the year, Portugal saw an extraordinary increase in international tourists, topping three million visitors. This set a new high for the country’s first quarter, spurred significantly by the Easter holiday period, as per the latest figures from the National Statistics Institute.

Portugal’s allure as a travel destination was unparalleled in 2023, attracting over 30,000,000 tourists and surpassing all previous records.

Spain remains the foremost contributor to Portugal’s influx of tourists, followed by France, the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. The majority of these visitors originated from European nations, with Spain leading in numbers. In 2023, nearly 2,400,000 visitors came from Spain. The UK was not far behind, with over 2,300,000 visitors, over half of whom preferred the Algarve as their destination. That year, British visitors to the Algarve were only outnumbered by local Portuguese tourists.

The travel and tourism industry in Portugal is on an upward trajectory. It is projected to generate revenue of about USD 2,523.00 million by 2024, growing at an annual rate of 3.70 percent. By 2028, the market is expected to reach a volume of approximately USD 2,918.00 million.

Surge in Hotel Stays by Foreign Visitors Marks Continued Growth in Portuguese Tourism

In the first quarter of this year, the number of foreign guests at Portuguese hotels increased by 10.6 percent compared to the same period in 2023, which was itself a landmark year for tourism in Portugal. This growth highlights a robust upward trend in the country’s appeal to international travelers.

Last year, the Secretary of State for Tourism reported that Portugal saw more than 77,000,000 overnight stays, generating approximately USD $26.748 billion in tourism revenues. The 2023 data indicated a nearly 10% increase in guests compared to the previous record set in 2019.

The hospitality sector experienced a significant rise in both overnight stays and revenues in 2023, with stays increasing by 37 percent and revenues by 18.5 percent relative to 2022.

Looking forward, the hotel market in Portugal is expected to continue its positive trajectory. By 2024, the market is projected to reach a value of USD $1070 million, with an annual growth rate of 2.26 percent anticipated from 2024 to 2028. By the end of this period, the market volume is expected to hit USD $1,170 million, with user numbers projected to increase to 4,080,000.

Lisbon Airport: A Vital Hub for Global Connectivity

Lisbon Airport, the busiest airport in Portugal, serves as the primary international gateway to the country. In 2023, it ranked as the 12th-largest airport in Europe by passenger volume, handling 190,700 tonnes of cargo. Notably, it is a crucial hub connecting Europe with Brazil, South America, and Africa. Lisbon Airport is the leading hub for TAP Air Portugal and its subsidiary TAP Express, and it also hosts major low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet. In 2023, the airport witnessed a record-breaking year, accommodating over 33,000,000 passengers.

TAP Air Portugal: Leading the Skies from Lisbon

TAP Air Portugal, headquartered at Lisbon Airport, has been a key player in global aviation since joining the Star Alliance in 2005. The airline operates approximately 2,500 weekly flights across 90 destinations in 34 countries. In 2023, TAP experienced significant growth, transporting 15.9 million passengers, an increase of 15.2 percent from the previous year. Notably, its routes to the United States and Canada saw a passenger increase of 18.4 percent from 2022 and 39.5 percent from 2019. Additionally, on its Brazil routes, TAP carried over 1,900,000 passengers, marking increases of 20.3 percent over 2022 and 8.4 percent over 2019.

Record-Breaking Year for Lisbon’s Cruise Industry

In 2023, the Port of Lisbon achieved unprecedented success in its cruise operations, for the first time exceeding the 0.7 million passenger mark. The port also saw over 0.2 million passengers in the turnaround segment, which involves cruises that begin and/or end at Lisbon’s cruise terminal. This milestone represents significant growth in cruise tourism within the Portuguese capital.

The cruises market in Portugal is on an upward trajectory with projected revenues reaching USD $63,280,000 by 2024. The market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.28 percent, culminating in a total volume of USD $74,840,000 by 2028, with the user base expected to hit 74,000 by the same year.

In 2023 alone, the port handled 758,328 cruise passengers, a 54 percent increase from the previous year, surpassing the prior record of 577,603 passengers set in 2018. The transit passenger segment witnessed a growth of 37 percent, reaching 554,324, while the turnaround segment saw an extraordinary increase of 131%, with 204,004 passengers, split almost evenly between embarkations and disembarkations. This activity generated a direct economic impact of USD $88.64 million.

Investing in the Future of Portuguese Tourism

Portugal remains committed to revitalizing its tourism sector. In 2021, the government introduced the action plan “Reactivate Tourism – Building the Future,” aimed at fostering the recovery of the national tourism industry. This strategy includes a robust investment of USD $6.4075 billion, underscoring the nation’s dedication to enhancing tourism infrastructure and policy frameworks to sustain long-term growth.

List to countries that visit Portugal visa-free:

• Guatemala
• Palau
• Argentina
• Timor-Leste
• Dominica
• Paraguay
• Malaysia
• Hong Kong
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Monaco
• Serbia
• Australia
• Colombia
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• North Macedonia
• Saint Lucia
• Trinidad and Tobago
• South Korea
• Samoa
• Canada
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Kosovo
• Uruguay
• Tuvalu
• Marshall Islands
• Mexico
• United States of America
• Costa Rica
• Ukraine
• Tonga
• Venezuela
• Kiribati
• Peru
• Solomon Islands
• Brunei
• Macau
• San Marino
• Vatican City
• Chile
• Grenada
• Honduras
• Seychelles
• Nicaragua
• New Zealand
• Moldova
• El Salvador
• Georgia
• Albania
• Brazil
• Micronesia
• United Arab Emirates
• Montenegro
• Taiwan
• Vanuatu
• Israel
• Mauritius
• Panama
• Singapore
• Japan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Andorra
• United Kingdom

Since Portugal is a Schengen nation, citizens of other Schengen countries can enter Portugal visa-free. This agreement is part of the Schengen Area’s unified visa policy, which allows for seamless travel between member states without the need for individual visas. This means that travelers holding a valid visa or residence permit issued by any Schengen country can freely enter Portugal for tourism, business, or other purposes without encountering border controls within the Schengen Area.

List of Schengen countries that visit Portugal visa free:

• Switzerland
• Belgium
• Lithuania
• Latvia
• Sweden
• Slovenia
• Denmark
• Iceland
• France
• Spain
• Luxembourg
• Austria
• Finland
• Estonia
• Norway
• Germany
• Italy
• Czechia
• Slovakia
• Malta
• Hungary
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Greece
• Poland
• Croatia
• Romania
• Bulgaria

Portugal’s Strategic Position within the Schengen Area Enhances Its Touristic Appeal

As a member of the Schengen Area, Portugal benefits from seamless travel arrangements that allow Schengen nationals to move across borders visa-free, further boosting its appeal as a tourist destination. This advantage, combined with Portugal’s own visa-free entry policy for citizens from 64 countries, positions the nation as a highly accessible and attractive location for international visitors. The sustained influx of tourists not only for leisure but also for business-related travel underscores Portugal’s capability to host a diverse range of travel purposes. As Portugal continues to invest heavily in its tourism infrastructure and embraces policies that facilitate easier access, it remains poised to enhance its cultural exchange and economic growth, ensuring its place as a top-tier destination in the global tourism landscape.

Top tourist spots in Portugal:

1. Pena Palace, Sintra
   Perched atop a hill in Sintra, the colorful Pena Palace stands as a premier example of 19th-century Romanticism in Portugal. This fairy-tale castle offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and lush gardens that are perfect for exploring.
2. Belém Tower, Lisbon
   A symbol of the Age of Discoveries, Belém Tower was built in the early 16th century to guard the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor. Today, it fascinates visitors with its intricate Manueline architecture and historical significance.
3. Douro Valley
   Renowned for its terraced vineyards that rise above the winding Douro River, this region offers stunning landscapes and is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. Visitors can indulge in wine tastings and river cruises to fully experience its serene beauty.
4. Jeronimos Monastery, Lisbon
   This architectural masterpiece in Lisbon showcases the grandeur of the Manueline style. The monastery is linked to the early sailors who set sail during the Discoveries, and its richly decorated cloisters are a sight to behold.
5. Algarve Coast
   Famous for its stunning cliffs, golden beaches, scalloped bays, and sandy islands, the Algarve Coast offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. It’s a perfect spot for water sports, sunbathing, and enjoying the vibrant local culture.