Portugal restaurant sector generated 7.6% of GDP in 2025

A study by EY-Parthenon, released by the Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Similar of Portugal (AHRESP), reveals that the restaurant sector significantly impacted the Portuguese economy in 2025. The sector generated 23.4 billion euros in gross value added (GVA), representing 7.6% of the national GDP.

In terms of labor, the industry accounted for 523,000 jobs, which constitutes 9.7% of national employment. The sector also contributed 11.7 billion euros in remunerations and 6.45 billion euros in tax and social security revenue. As a pillar of tourism, the sector captures approximately 24% of tourist expenditure and represents 24.4% of tourism GVA.

AHRESP warned of economic vulnerabilities due to inflation, noting that rising costs and international instability create uncertainty regarding demand. The association highlighted that many businesses face reduced margins and high debt, limiting their ability to absorb cost increases or demand drops.