On 30 June 2026, António Henriques, the mayor of Castanheira de Pêra in Central-Portugal’s Leiria district presented the plans for the new São João da Mata Theme Park. The presentation was attended by the Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services, Pedro Machado, as well as representatives from Turismo Centro de Portugal and the Intermunicipal Community of the Leiria Region.

In order to make Castanheira de Pêra more attractive to tourists, the municipality is planning on adding a new outdoor adventure park next to the already-existing wave pool Praia das Rocas and the region’s many mountainous walking trails.

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The project would span over a surface of 45 hectares and amount to €12 million. Instead of a regular attraction park, the São João da Mata Theme Park would be a place specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts. In order to do so, it would include a wide range of attractions, such as a zipline, an alpine coaster, a downhill mountain bike trail, a treetop adventure course, climbing walls, free-fall and reverse-jump experiences, and a go-kart circuit.

One of the project’s largest undertakings, however, would be the creation of a 1,000-metre-long cable car. The circuit would take visitors directly from the town centre to the adventure park and the adjoining Praia das Rocas, which boasts a wave pool as well as canoeing, paddleboarding, paddle surfing, and cable wakeboarding options. Moreover, it would give curious tourists and locals a chance to get a panoramic overview of the surroundings.

“More than just a means of access, this facility will provide a unique experience of the area, offering a privileged view of the landscape and establishing itself as the hallmark of the entire development,” a press release explains.

During the presentation of the new adventure park, Mayor António Henriques explained how the project would be developed around environmental, economic, and social values. The park is expected to create direct and indirect employment, while supporting local accommodation, restaurants, and businesses.

The Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services, Pedro Machado, was full of praise for Castanheira de Pêra’s long-term strategic vision. According to him, the project could make the region more attractive among tourists, while making the town and its surroundings attractive year-round. Meanwhile, Turismo Centro president Rui Ventura applauded the regional, national, and even international market potential of the São João da Mata Theme Park. He even stated that it was the first tourism project ever presented to him whose vision extended beyond the local level.

At the time of writing, the construction timeline, opening date, and ticket prices have not yet been officially announced. According to the Portuguese news outlet Ekonomista, the project should consist of three phases, and more details are expected over the coming months.

L’article Portugal invests in adventure tourism with €12 million theme park project est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The new maps are intended to clear up a misunderstanding that has existed for years. Many visitors believed they could only place their own umbrella in areas specifically marked for that purpose unless they rented a sunshade or sun lounger from a beach concession. However, there has never been a law requiring beachgoers to do so. The debate resurfaced after the president of the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), José Pimenta Machado, described it as “an abuse” when concession holders prevented people from placing their own umbrellas in front of licensed beach facilities. Even after the APA issued guidance to concession operators, uncertainty remained, prompting the government to introduce the maps.

Each map will clearly identify four different types of beach areas. Concession zones are the parts of the beach where businesses provide services such as sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. Circulation areas must remain clear so people can move safely across the beach, while safety areas are reserved for emergency access and other essential activities. The remaining free areas are available for visitors who bring their own umbrellas or other beach equipment. Explaining the initiative, Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho said “it needs to be clear, and shown in a diagram at the entrance to the beach” where each type of zone begins and ends, as the layout can vary from one beach to another. Because every beach has a different layout, each location will have its own map to help visitors quickly understand where each zone begins and ends.

The measure comes as Portugal continues to welcome growing numbers of visitors. According to the Portuguese National Statistics Institute, the country received almost 30 million international tourists in 2025, an increase of 3.3% compared with the previous year. Although growth has started to slow, Portugal remains one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations, with the Algarve attracting large numbers of domestic and international travellers every summer. At the same time, the country has been working to improve how tourism is managed by encouraging year-round travel and promoting lesser-known destinations beyond traditional hotspots. Clearer organisation of public beaches forms part of that wider effort to improve the visitor experience while reducing pressure on popular locations.

The Algarve is known for its long sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and nature reserves such as the Ria Formosa, while the neighbouring Alentejo coast attracts travellers looking for quieter stretches of coastline. These regions have become increasingly popular not only with international visitors but also with Portuguese holidaymakers. As more people head to the beach during the summer months, misunderstandings over where visitors can sit have become more common. By displaying the rules in a simple visual format, authorities hope to reduce conflicts between beachgoers, concession operators and local councils before they arise.

Preparing the maps will be the responsibility of the municipalities where the beaches are located. Before they are installed, each map must also receive approval from both the Portuguese Environment Agency and the Maritime Authority to ensure the layouts comply with existing regulations. The government has asked local authorities to put the signs in place as quickly as possible because the bathing season is already underway. According to Minister Carvalho, municipalities support the initiative, as they are often the first to receive complaints when disagreements occur on the beach.

For travellers, the introduction of the maps does not mean new restrictions are being introduced. Existing rules remain unchanged, including the limit that concession areas may occupy no more than 30% of the usable beach or 50% of the beachfront. Safety and circulation areas must continue to remain clear, while the rest of the beach is available for public use. Visitors planning a beach day in Portugal will simply be able to check the map at the entrance and choose a suitable place with greater confidence, making the start of a day by the sea a little more straightforward.

L’article Portugal to introduce beach maps to clarify umbrella rules this summer est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Although the number of international arrivals continued to rise, growth slowed considerably from the 9.3% increase recorded in 2024, suggesting that the country’s tourism expansion is entering a more moderate phase.

Across all forms of tourist accommodation, Portugal registered 34.8 million guests and 89.7 million overnight stays in 2025, corresponding to year-on-year increases of 2.2% and 1.6%, respectively.

Spain remains Portugal’s largest source market

Spain remained the country’s largest international source market, accounting for 23.8% of foreign tourists, despite arrivals from the neighbouring country declining by 0.6%.

The United Kingdom retained second place, with an 11.9% share of international arrivals. British tourism increased by 1.9%, making the UK the only one of Portugal’s three largest source markets to record growth in 2025.

France ranked third, representing 10.9% of international tourists, although arrivals from the country fell by 2.9%.

Other markets contributed to the continued diversification of Portugal’s international tourism sector. Arrivals from North America increased by 6.9%, while the categories covering other European markets and the rest of the world grew by 13.5% and 12%, respectively.

When measured by overnight stays, the UK remained Portugal’s largest international market, accounting for 17.3% of the foreign total despite a decline of 1.7%.

Germany followed with an 11.8% share and growth of 1.3%. Spain represented 9.4% of foreign overnight stays after a 5.1% decline, while the United States strengthened its position with a 9.1% share and an increase of 5.3%.

Poland also stood out, recording an 11.4% rise in overnight stays, while the French market declined by 6.6%.

Domestic tourism grew faster than international demand

International visitors generated 60.2 million overnight stays in 2025, up 0.6% from the previous year and accounting for 67.1% of all nights spent in tourist accommodation.

Although foreign visitors continued to generate more than two-thirds of Portugal’s overnight stays, the country’s dependence on international markets decreased by 0.6 percentage points compared with 2024.

Domestic tourism grew more strongly. Portuguese residents generated 29.5 million overnight stays, representing 32.9% of the total and an annual increase of 3.5%.

The three largest international source markets accounted for 38.5% of foreign overnight stays, the lowest proportion recorded since 2013. According to the INE, the figures point to a broader and increasingly diversified international visitor base.

In total, 70 Portuguese municipalities recorded more overnight stays from international visitors than from domestic tourists.

Among the 25 municipalities where foreign visitors accounted for more than 75% of overnight stays, 10 were located in Madeira, seven in the Algarve, five in the Azores, two in northern Portugal and one in Greater Lisbon.

Tourism seasonality falls to lowest level since 2013

Portugal’s tourism seasonality rate fell to 36.4% in 2025, its lowest level since 2013, indicating that visitor activity was distributed more evenly throughout the year.

Seasonality remained higher among domestic travellers, at 40.4%, than among international visitors, at 34.4%, although the rate declined for both groups.

The reduction supports Portugal’s efforts to promote year-round tourism and attract travellers beyond the traditional summer season. The country has increasingly expanded its tourism offer beyond Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, promoting cultural, gastronomic, nature and rural tourism across less-visited regions.

Portugal’s reputation for safety, mild climate, historical heritage and established tourism infrastructure has also continued to support demand.

Travel Tomorrow reported in April 2026 that Portugal could benefit from changing international travel patterns as geopolitical instability in the Middle East encouraged some European travellers to favour destinations perceived as safe, politically stable and easily accessible.

A strategic analysis by IPDT – Tourism Intelligence estimated that Portugal could attract around €500 million from the German market alone, potentially bringing approximately 300,000 additional visitors and 2.4 million overnight stays.

The analysis nevertheless warned that further growth would need to be carefully managed, particularly in destinations already facing pressure from overtourism, housing shortages and the expansion of short-term rentals. It recommended directing more visitors towards central Portugal and other less-frequented regions.

Portuguese residents travelled more but spent less per trip

Portuguese residents made 26 million tourism trips in 2025, an increase of 13.7% compared with the previous year. Domestic travel accounted for most of this growth, with trips within Portugal rising by 14% to 22.2 million, while journeys abroad increased by 12.5% to 3.9 million.

Despite travelling more frequently, residents spent less on average during each trip. Average expenditure per traveller fell by 4.2% to €265.10, with spending on domestic trips decreasing by 2.9% to €171.60 and expenditure on trips abroad dropping by 4.8% to €803.20.

The latest figures indicate that Portugal’s tourism industry continued to expand in 2025, although at a slower pace than in the previous year. At the same time, stronger domestic demand, greater diversification among international markets and the lowest seasonality rate in more than a decade point to a broader and more evenly distributed tourism sector.

L’article Portugal welcomed nearly 30 million international tourists in 2025 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Known as the Manifesto Library, the collection is housed inside the historic Livraria Lello, one of Portugal’s best-known bookshops. It opened as part of the inaugural BABELL – City of Books international literary festival and brings together around 100 books that have been banned, censored or challenged for addressing issues such as race, sexuality, identity and political power. 

The project was created through a partnership between Livraria Lello and Lipa’s Service95 Book Club, which the singer launched to encourage readers to discover global voices through monthly book recommendations and an accompanying podcast, where she interviews the authors. 

In a statement announcing the opening, Lipa described the new space as “a dream partnership” that builds on the mission she has pursued since founding the book club.

“When I founded the Service95 Book Club, my ambition was for it to become a home for writers and readers, wherever they are and whatever their circumstances,” she said. “Reading the world brings us closer – but sadly, not everyone is in favour of that.” 

She added that the collection includes “one hundred books that ask questions, or have been questioned,” noting that “some districts have banned some for themes of race or sexuality. Others, written for LGBTQIA+ readers, have been restricted from display. In some cases, the author has paid for their words with their life.”

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Lipa also described the Manifesto Library as “a shrine to books that have disappeared, to authors whose courage unmasks structures of power and control, and to readers who refuse to be told what book they are allowed to read.” Inviting visitors to explore the collection for themselves, she concluded: “Because sometimes the most subversive thing you can do is read a book and then talk about it.” 

The library’s collection is organised around four themes: power, control, voice and memory. Featured titles include The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, Felon by Reginald Dwayne Betts, as well as works by Salman Rushdie and Olga Tokarczuk. Nearly all have faced censorship, restrictions or controversy in different parts of the world. 

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Francisca Pedro Pinto, Head of Brand at Livraria Lello, said the initiative reflects the bookshop’s long-standing belief in literature as a force for freedom.

“For 120 years, Livraria Lello has been built on a simple conviction: the book is a technology of freedom. The Manifesto Library grows from that belief,” she said. “Because what is at stake is not only the future of reading, but a society’s ability to imagine, interpret and build its own future.” 

The opening marks another step in Dua Lipa’s growing involvement in the literary world. Beyond her music career, she has become an active advocate for reading through Service95 and is also set to curate the London Literature Festival at Southbank Centre later this year.

L’article Dua Lipa opens library for banned books at historic Porto bookshop est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Located in the Alentejo region, where a mild climate and rural community help to provide 286 nights per year of exceptional visibility, Dark Sky Alqueva is an important hub for celestial observation, with experts as well as astrotourists following the progress of meteors, planets, and the northern lights across the night sky.

The destination received the Tourism Leaders award in recognition of its work to promote astrotourism, maintain low levels of light pollution, and high atmospheric quality, and its dedication to preserving the night sky was all applauded.

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Heavily involved in that effort is astrophotographer Miguel Claro, who uses photography to capture astronomical phenomena, raising awareness, and building appreciation of the night sky. He told Euronews, the award drives visitor numbers, with arrivals “very much guided by the awards we receive. The Starlight seal, for example, tests quality. It is not merely an opinion; it is a certification that scientifically proves that quality.”

Visitors to the 10,000-km² area around the Alqueva Great Lake, which embraces 11 Portuguese municipalities and parts of Spain, are able to see night sky phenomena with the naked eye or telescopes that normally would only be invisible with photography or far more specialist equipment.

As well as the recent Tourism Experience award and being the first destination to receive the Starlight Seal (certifying the location’s exceptional night sky observation conditions and sustainability credentials), Alqueva also won Europe’s Leading Attraction at the 2025 World Travel Awards.

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But, despite the enthusiasm and the community of night sky aficionados it has built, Alqueva needs more government investment, Claro says. The reserve has lost out on projects it has conceived and proposed, seeing them implemented at other, less suited venues, because it has lacked backing from central Portuguese authorities. “Portugal could be a pioneer in many projects if we had more support. We feel that investment has been growing, but we need more help,” Claro said.

A destination growing in popularity, Portugal’s Alentejo region also boasts the best beach in Europe for 2026, as chosen by travel platform European Best Destinations. As previously reported by Travel Tomorrow, the coastline at Praia de Monte Clérigo took first place in the ranking thanks to its “natural beauty, accessibility, atmosphere, environmental preservation and overall visitor experience.”

Those criteria behind the success of the two Portuguese attractions are further proof of travel consumers’ desire for authenticity, nature, and the ability to switch off from everyday pressures.

L’article Portugal’s Alentejo reserve wins best stargazing destination in Europe est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Praia de Monte Clérigo, located near Aljezur on the Costa Vicentina, topped this year’s European Best Beaches ranking, which evaluates destinations based on natural beauty, accessibility, atmosphere, environmental preservation and overall visitor experience.

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Part of the protected Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, Monte Clérigo was praised for offering travellers “authenticity, nature and understated luxury far from overcrowded resorts”.

Known for its rugged Atlantic scenery, golden cliffs and relaxed atmosphere, the beach has increasingly become a favourite among surfers, hikers, nature lovers and travellers seeking a slower pace of life away from Portugal’s busier tourism hotspots.

According to European Best Destinations, the annual ranking began with hundreds of beaches across Europe before a shortlist of 30 destinations was submitted to an international panel of travellers and tourism enthusiasts.

@rotavicentina O Caminho Histórico nunca deixa de nos surpreender… The Historical Way never stops surprising us… #rotavicentina #sudoeste #algarve #alentejo #historicalway ♬ original sound – Rota Vicentina

The organisation said this year’s ranking aimed to celebrate beaches that offer more than scenic beauty alone, highlighting destinations where visitors can “disconnect from everyday stress, reconnect with nature and experience some of Europe’s most inspiring coastal landscapes”.

Monte Clérigo has quietly developed a reputation as one of Portugal’s emerging “Sunset Beaches”, with visitors gathering every Friday evening at the beachfront Restaurante O Sargo for live music, seafood and sunset views over the Atlantic.

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The region is also attracting growing international attention. European Best Destinations noted that Alexandre Grimaldi, the son of Prince Albert II of Monaco, was recently spotted in the area, while French fashion designer Christian Louboutin is known to spend time nearby.

Despite this increasing profile, Costa Vicentina remains considerably more affordable than some of Portugal’s more exclusive coastal destinations. European Best Destinations said luxury accommodation prices in the region can still be up to three times lower than in celebrity-favoured locations such as Comporta.

The ranking also highlighted the rise of design-focused villas and holiday homes in the area, combining luxury amenities with preserved natural surroundings.

Beyond Portugal, Greece dominated much of the top 10 list. Voutoumi Beach on the island of Antipaxos took second place and was also named the most beautiful beach in Europe thanks to its crystal-clear waters and white pebbles.

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Fteri Beach on Kefalonia ranked third, while Elafonissi Beach in Crete secured fourth place. Italy rounded out the top five with Bogliasco Beach, a picturesque seaside destination near Genoa.

Spain’s Cala Mesquida in Mallorca ranked sixth, while Norway’s remote Kvalvika Beach entered the list in seventh place despite only being accessible by hiking trails.

The ranking’s remaining top 10 included Rovinia Beach and Paleokastritsa Beach in Corfu, as well as Türkiye’s Kaputaş Beach, which was also featured earlier this year in the World’s 50 Best Beaches ranking.

L’article Portugal’s Praia de Monte Clérigo named best beach in Europe for 2026  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Clarissa Ward missed her flight out of Lisbon on 26 May due to a system she described as “completely broken.” The journalist filmed a queue of people that snaked hundreds of metres around Humberto Delgado Airport. Prior to reaching the border gate, non-EU nationals must complete Entry Exit System (EES) checks, ensuring the Schengen bloc database has registered their biometric data.

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“At this line, you have to use a machine, and then depending on the results of that machine, you get into another big line, or you go on to use yet another machine,” Ward said, adding: “And now, yet another line, after giving finger prints at that first machine…” 

Declaring she would need to wait another six hours before she could get on an alternative departure, Ward said the Portuguese implementation of EES meant “thousands and thousands of people who are basically going through complete insanity. The system doesn’t work.”

Despite Portuguese authorities deploying the national guard at the airport to help deal with the high volumes of people, the problems were, she said, “testimony to just what a disaster these new EES rules are regarding all passport holders who are not from the European Union.”

Since we're talking airports: I'm Portuguese, and Lisbon's airport immigration is genuinely one of the worst first impressions of any country I know.

Two to four hour queues stretching across the entire terminal. People missing flights. Fights breaking out. Exhausted travelers… https://t.co/UO9mdZQ1ZV pic.twitter.com/u7cm4W62lj

— André (@oracles) May 26, 2026

In addition to the national guard, the Portuguese government said that 360 members of the PSP (Public Security Police) will be brought in to reinforce Portuguese airports, but not until July. 

Last week, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Infrastructures, Hugo Espírito Santo, blamed the chaos at Lisbon on Europe as an administration, saying in a statement that similar problems had been recorded at Amsterdam, Milan, Munich, and Tenerife. “We have to recognise that this is not a Portuguese problem, it’s a European problem right now,” he said. 

Greece has already said it is suspending EES checks for its British visitors. Concerned travel associations and trade representatives have urged the bloc to allow for mitigating circumstances at national borders, as agents try to make EES work during this initial summer season.

What remains a Portuguese problem, however, is the widespread travel disruption anticipated on top of the EES issues, across the country’s public transport networks and aviation for the first week of June, due to mass strike action planned by national unions. The general strike is called for Wednesday, 3 June 2026, and comes in response to proposed government employment reforms and failed talks. At least 500 flight cancellations are likely, and travel to and from international hubs by public transport will also be hit.

L’article European border system causing “complete insanity” at Lisbon Airport est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The general strike called for Wednesday, 3 June 2026, comes in response to proposed government employment reforms and follows failed talks and a government promise to plough ahead with unpopular measures.

The workers’ displeasure at what representatives have called an “unprecedented attack on established rights” will make itself felt across approximately 500 flights on that day, according to initial estimates by the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC). An internal union document seen by national news outlet Notícias ao Minuto highlights that travellers’ journeys could also be impacted on “the days before and after” the walkout.

Cabin crew operations for TAP, its regional providers Portugália and SATA, will suffer up to 79% staff absence, and other airlines are bracing for a difficult time. Ensuing staff shortages could create problems at the start of the summer season for Europe’s largest airline by passenger numbers, Ryanair, and its low-cost rival easyJet, which fly out of Portuguese hubs.

Trouble is not only predicted in the skies, but on trains, ferries, buses and metros too. The communications and transport syndicate FECTRANS has “guaranteed a strong mobilisation of the sector.”

It all means that users of ground transport services should be aware of the likelihood of challenging travel conditions on and around 3 June, with impacts probable on the Lisbon Metro, Carris, Transtejo/Soflusa, Fertagus, Porto Metro, STCP and CP – Comboios de Portugal.

During similar strikes over the same grievances in December 2026, the Portuguese transport network was brought to a standstill, with rail services shut down and hundreds of flights wiped from schedules.

Portugal is already labouring under the burden of the new controls rolled out as part of the European Entry Exit System (EES). The national guard was brought into Humberto Delgado Airport earlier in the spring, and now it has been announced that extra police will be deployed to the country’s Schengen-border airports to help manage the hours-long queues that have developed as travellers complete biometric data checks for the first time.

With that existing chaos at airports in mind, the upcoming strike threatens to be a dark day for Portuguese transport. Accordingly, travellers are urged to look at alternative dates and to leave themselves plenty of additional time for any unavoidable journeys.

L’article Portugal faces travel disruption on 3 June as nationwide strike threatens 500 flights est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The capital of the Lower Alentejo region, Beja’s 14^th-century castle possesses an imposing tower that is now a municipal symbol, as well as a square replete with Manueline-style architecture. The city also boasts a warm Mediterranean climate that plays a key role in the region’s increasingly towering reputation for respected, robust red and white wines, plus a growing name for ancient Talha (amphora) wine.

Welcoming the global wine summit, José Manuel Santos, president of the Alentejo Regional Tourism Entity (ERT),  noted the event’s “significant interest” and said it will raise awareness of the Lower Alentejo region, helping “to better sustain and structure wine tourism products in the region.”

Scheduled to take place at the Pousada de Beja, a restored 13^th-century Franciscan convent, located in the heart of the Alentejo town’s historic centre, the summit is an occasion expected to attract around 300 people participants, from wine producers, tour operators, and public bodies, to investors and academics from the sector.

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The inaugural session, calendared for 1 June, will be attended by the Mayor of Beja, Nuno Palma Ferro, and the Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services, Pedro Machado.

One of the leading international gatherings dedicated to wine and food tourism, the Global Summit on Responsible Wine Tourism is held annually in different wine regions around the world. Recent editions have taken place in destinations such as Uruguay and China.

This year’s edition, organised with the support of the Alentejo Regional Tourism Authority, forms part of the official programme of the European Wine City 2026, positioning the Baixo Alentejo at the centre of global attention for wine and food tourism, boosting the region’s visibility, creating a unique platform to showcase its heritage, landscapes and innovative practices, and fostering investment, partnerships and long-term socio-economic impact for the region.

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‍The European City of Wine 2026 is promoted by the Regional Tourism Entity (ERT) of Alentejo and Ribatejo and by CIMBAL, with the support of the 13 municipalities that make up the organisation.

L’article Portugal’s Beja to host Europe’s first global wine tourism summit est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The funding, led by the national tourism authority Turismo de Portugal, will support 12 projects located in low-density areas, with a direct tune of €4.5 million contributing to the overall investment. The initiative forms a part of a broader strategy to encourage travellers to explore inland destinations rather than concentrating on well-known hotspots such as Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve.

According to the officials, the projects will focus on a wide range of tourism offerings, including rural accommodation, walking and cycling routes, cultural heritage sites, as well as food and wine experiences. The supported initiatives are spread across the North, Centre, Alentejo and Ribatejo regions. 

The selected projects are expected to highlight local culture and traditions while promoting sustainable tourism models. Areas of focus include nature-based activities, gastronomy, wellness tourism and cultural routes, all designed to showcase the distinct identity of Portugal’s interior regions.

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The initiative also seeks to strengthen regional development by creating economic opportunities in smaller communities that attract fewer visitors. The government hopes to support local businesses and ensure that tourism revenues benefit a wider cross-section of the population.

By diversifying the types of attractions available, the programme aims to appeal to visitors already travelling to Portugal and inspire them to extend their itineraries beyond the country’s main urban and coastal areas. 

Authorities have emphasised that the goal is not necessarily to increase overall tourist numbers, but to spread demand more evenly. This approach reflects growing concerns about overtourism in popular regions and the economic imbalance between coastal and inland communities.

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The funding will be distributed among a mix of public bodies, private companies and non-profit organisations, with selected projects targeting key tourism segments such as nature-based experiences, gastronomy, outdoor activities, wellness offerings and cultural and heritage attractions.

The contracts for the projects were signed at a ceremony in Porto attended by Portugal’s Minister for the Economy, Manuel Castro Almeida, and the Secretary of State for Tourism, Trade and Services, Pedro Machado.

With rising tensions in the Middle East, Portugal is set to become a potential beneficiary of shifting global travel patterns. Travellers are increasingly opting for destinations less likely to be affected by airspace closures, with demand moving away from parts of the Middle East and the eastern Mediterranean toward southern Europe. According to recent reports, countries such as Italy, Portugal and Spain are gaining attention due to their warm climates, well-developed tourism infrastructure and perceived safety and stability. A strategic analysis by IPDT – Tourism Intelligence suggests Portugal alone could attract around €500 million from the German market.

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Portugal’s tourism sector has experienced strong growth in recent years, becoming a key pillar of the national economy. However, the concentration of visitors in a limited number of destinations has prompted calls for a more balanced approach to tourism development.

With the €11 million initiative, Portugal joins a growing number of European countries attempting to redirect travel flows to less crowded regions, supporting sustainability and aiming to ease pressure on hotspots while boosting local economies in under-visited regions.

L’article Portugal invests €11 million to drive tourism growth in less-visited inland regions est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.