British tourists have cemented their status as Portugal's most important source of visitor income, injecting more than half a billion euros into the country during the first half of 2026 and underlining just how strong the travel relationship between the UK and Portugal remains.
New data shows that UK visitors carried out 16 million card payments across Portugal between January and June, spending a total of €518 million. The figures, compiled by Turismo de Portugal using SIBS payment data, mark a 6.2% rise on the equivalent period last year, pointing to steadily growing demand from British travellers.
Much of that spending flowed into two regions in particular: the Algarve and Greater Lisbon, which together accounted for more than half of all card spending by international visitors. It's a clear illustration of how central UK tourism has become to the local economies in Portugal's most-visited areas.
Zooming out, foreign card spending across the whole of Portugal hit €3.7 billion in the first six months of 2026. British visitors were by far the largest contributors, comfortably outpacing second-placed the United States, whose tourists spent €2.4 million over the same six-month window.
UK visitors were also free spenders on a per-transaction basis, with an average card payment of €32.70 — evidence of confident spending across restaurants, shops and attractions.
The wider tourism sector benefited across the board. Retail was the single biggest category, drawing in around €1.4 billion from overseas visitors, while restaurants took in over €1 billion, a reflection of Portugal's enduring reputation for food and dining. Hotels and other accommodation providers also enjoyed a strong first half, banking approximately €735 million. When spending on accommodation, dining and travel agencies is combined, the total reaches an impressive €1.8 billion — proof of just how much visitors are putting directly into their Portuguese holidays.
Commenting on the figures, Paul Stannard, chairman and founder of Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club, said:
"These figures confirm what we're seeing on the ground — Portugal's tourism sector isn't just recovering, it's thriving, and that strength is exactly why we continue to see such strong appetite from investors. When record numbers of visitors are spending record sums in hotels, restaurants and leisure venues, that translates bodes well for returns on tourism-linked funds. For those looking at the Golden Visa route, this is precisely the kind of underlying performance you want backing your investment: a sector with genuine, sustained demand rather than one propped up by short-term trends. It's a strong argument for choosing eligible funds with real exposure to Portugal's tourism economy."
About Portugal Investment Owners Club
The Portugal Investment Owners Club, or P Club for short, is a unique investor membership community designed for discerning individuals, families, and organisations committed to exploring and capitalising on life in Portugal and enjoying money-can't-buy experiences and exclusive events.
About Portugal Pathways
Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and provides expert guidance through its professional supply chain network on estate planning, wealth management, Golden Visa and tax optimisation, including post-NHR / IFICI tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, money transfers and bespoke relocation and luxury real estate solutions to enhance life and investment in Portugal
Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways and Portugal Investment Owners Club (P Club for short) websites and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice. Golden Visa investments need to be held for 6 to 7 years to allow for permanent citizenship/passport in the EU.
