# Portugal tourism industry economic trends > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/portugal-tourism-industry-economic-trends > Updated: 2026-09-05T15:44:44.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 6. In 2025, the global tourism sector reached approximately US$ 11.6 trillion, with Portugal’s tourism industry accounting for roughly 11.8% of its GDP. While the sector’s growth in Portugal was noted to be slower than the overall national economy in 2025, it remained a vital pillar of post-adjustment recovery. By the second quarter of 2026, Portugal’s tourism revenue increased by 5.2% to 2.1 billion euros. Data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) indicated that guest numbers rose to 9.4 million, with 23.3 million overnight stays recorded. In the Madeira region, overnight stays grew by 1.9% to 3.5 million; while international stays in the region saw a 0.2% decline, the domestic market grew by 12.3%. Additionally, the Labor Cost Index in Madeira rose by 5.6% during this period, slightly higher than the national average increase of 5.4%. Recent data suggests the sector is entering a period of stagnation or stabilization following years of record growth. INE reported that visitor growth slowed from 9.3% in 2024 to 3.3% in 2025. In the first half of 2026, visitor numbers rose by 3.1%, overnight stays by 2%, and revenues by 7.7%, according to André Gomes, president of the Algarve tourism association. Eurostat data for the first half of 2026 shows a 1% increase in overnight stays, a rate that trails the European Union average of 1.7%. Despite high volumes—with 2025 seeing approximately 32.5 million guests generating 29.1 billion euros—local business owners in Porto and elsewhere report lower restaurant occupancy and note that tourists may be becoming less generous with spending, often opting for cheaper meals. Economist João Duque has warned that the country may have reached the limits of tourism growth due to a lack of future planning. ## Claims - Total tourism accommodation revenue rose 5.2% to 2.1 billion euros in the second quarter. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The number of guests increased to 9.4 million in the second quarter. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Total overnight stays reached 23.3 million in the second quarter. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Madeira recorded approximately 3.5 million overnight stays in the second quarter. (single source) - Domestic tourist stays in Madeira grew by 12.3%. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-05: Portugal experiences massive surge in American tourism American tourism trends have shifted over the last decade, with Portugal seeing a fivefold increase in U.S. visitors and major hubs like Lisbon becoming bustling international centers. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-experiences-massive-surge-in-american-tourism ### 2026-09-04: Portugal tourism growth slows as local tax disputes emerge Portugal's tourism overnight stays grew by 1% in early 2026, below the EU average. Meanwhile, a proposed two-euro tourist tax in Ourém has triggered disputes between local authorities, hotels, and the Fátima-S. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-tourism-growth-slows-as-local-tax-disputes-emerge ### 2026-08-24: Portugal tourism sector faces stabilization after rapid growth Portugal's tourism industry shows signs of stabilization as visitor growth slows and spending patterns shift, despite the sector contributing over 11 percent to the national GDP. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-tourism-sector-faces-stabilization-after-rapid-growth ### 2026-08-21: Portugal tourism growth slows after years of record highs Portugal's tourism growth is slowing, with visitor increases dropping significantly compared to previous years despite the sector contributing 11.8% to the national GDP. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-tourism-growth-slows-after-years-of-record-highs ### 2026-08-13: Portugal tourism revenue rises to 2.1 billion euros in Q2 Portugal's tourism revenue rose 5.2% to 2.1 billion euros in Q2, driven by 9.4 million guests. Madeira saw a 12.3% surge in domestic stays despite moderate overall growth. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-tourism-revenue-rises-to-21-billion-euros-in-q2 ### 2026-08-05: Global tourism hits $11.6 trillion in 2025, boosting Portugal’s economy Tourism generated US$ 11.6 trillion in 2025 and is set to hit US$ 17.1 trillion by 2036, while contributing 11.8 % of Portugal’s GDP, though its growth slowed that year. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-tourism-industry-valued-at-116-trillion-in-2025 --- Cite as: Portugal tourism industry economic trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/portugal-tourism-industry-economic-trends