According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), total tourism revenue grew by 5.8%, or €755.7 million, during the month of May.

The same data also reveal that tourist accommodation registered 3.3 million guests, up 3.9% from the same period last year. In total, eight million overnight stays were also recorded, an increase of 2.8% compared to the same period last year.

Domestic market

Regarding residents in Portugal, tourism figures also increased, with a notable rise in overnight stays, up 7.6% from April to 2.1 million, as revealed in an INE report.

Chosen destinations

In May, the Algarve and the Lisbon region remain the most sought-after areas for tourists. However, there is a phenomenon whereby rural areas are increasingly gaining importance as tourist destinations in Portugal.

Last month, the largest increase in overnight stays was recorded in Acre, at 10%, followed by the North region at 6.7%. On the other hand, the Autonomous Region of Madeira and the Tagus Valley region show declines in overnight stays, by 2.2% and 1.5%, respectively.

Thus, Algarve, Greater Lisbon and the North, together, account for 69% of overnight stays recorded in May.

Foreign market

In the foreign market, visitor growth from Brazil and Germany stands out, with the highest increases (+9.3% and +8.6%, respectively). However, British tourists continue to lead foreign tourists in trips to Portugal. The North American market has also been standing out, accounting for 11.2% of total foreign tourists visiting Portugal. On the other hand, France is registering a decrease, with 11.3% fewer tourists from that country visiting Portugal.