Tourism sector professionals estimate that, this year, the sector could receive up to 34 million guests and record seven billion euros in revenue, according to a panel consulted by IPDT – Tourism Intelligence.
In a statement, the IPDT released the results of the Tourism Barometer, which gathered 44 valid responses from a panel of 174 professionals in the sector, with projections that “point to the consolidation of the record levels achieved in the last two years, in a more moderate and sustained growth cycle”.
The panel estimates that Portugal could receive between 31.1 and 34 million guests (32.5 million in 2025) and record between 80.1 and 83 million nights (82.1 million in 2025), while global earnings should be between 6.6 and 7 billion euros (7.2 billion in 2025).
“After an exceptional 2024 and a 2025 at historic highs, 2026 should mark a phase of consolidation, with more moderate growth and profits reflecting the continued appreciation of the sector”, said Jorge Costa, president of IPDT, quoted in a statement.
With regard to the challenges for 2026, “accessibility and mobility are highlighted by 48% of respondents as the main constraint, particularly in terms of airport capacity”, highlighted the IPDT.
The shortage of qualified human resources is cited by 45%, while 43% highlight the risks associated with international economic and financial instability, according to the barometer.
IPDT also prepared a 2026 Trends Yearbook, which identified travel trends such as self-care and regeneration, literary tourism and digital detox or returning to destinations for deeper experiences.
Among the trends, Artificial Intelligence also appears as “discreet support for the personalization of the experience”.
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