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Global tourism hits $11.6 trillion in 2025, boosting Portugal’s economy
The world tourism sector generated about US$ 11.6 trillion in 2025, expanding faster than the global economy and projected to reach US$ 17.1 trillion by 2036. The growth is driven by higher travel demand, infrastructure investment and a rebound in strategic markets.
In Portugal, tourism accounted for roughly 11.8 % of GDP in 2025, remaining a key pillar of the country's post‑adjustment recovery. Analysts note that while tourism continues to support employment and related services, its growth rate in 2025 slowed compared with the overall Portuguese economy. Portugal’s tourism share is now second only to Iceland among small nations, with larger neighbours such as France and Spain still attracting more visitors overall.
The sector’s expansion is expected to sustain job creation and stimulate ancillary industries, reinforcing tourism’s role as a major engine of economic activity both globally and within Portugal.
Entities
Global tourism industry · Iceland · Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE) · Portugal · World tourism sector
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Portugal’s tourism growth slowed in 2025 compared with the overall economy. observador.pt
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Global tourism generated US$ 11.6 trillion in 2025. ohoje.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Tourism contributed 11.8 % of Portugal’s GDP in 2025. travelbiznews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Portugal’s tourism share of GDP is second only to Iceland among small nations. observador.pt
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Tourism outpaced global economic growth in 2025. ohoje.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Global tourism is projected to reach US$ 17.1 trillion by 2036. ohoje.com