According to figures released by the Bank of Portugal, foreign tourism revenue increased by 3.7% compared to the same period last year, when visitor spending totalled just over €5 billion.

March marked a particularly strong month for the sector, generating €2.1 billion alone. It was the first time Portugal’s tourism revenue surpassed the €2 billion mark so early in the year, with March posting year-on-year growth of 6.3%.

European visitors continued to account for the largest share of tourism spending overall, contributing around €3.6 billion during the quarter.

Main tourist markets

British tourists remained Portugal’s biggest European spenders, with visitors from the UK spending more than €660 million between January and March. German tourists followed closely behind, contributing nearly €630 million, while spending from Spanish visitors also recorded strong growth.

French tourist spending declined slightly compared to the same period in 2025, while Irish visitors continued to show steady growth.

Outside Europe, American tourists stood out as the highest-spending group overall. Visitors from the United States spent more than €1.1 billion in Portugal during the first quarter, representing an increase of more than 10% compared to last year.

The figures reinforce the growing role of international tourism in Portugal’s economic performance, particularly as demand from North American travellers continues to expand.