Porto’s Tourism Booms in 2024

City sees record tourist revenue and airport traffic in 2024. Strategic investments and shifting travel trends set the stage for continued growth in 2025.

Porto's tourism industry experienced significant growth in 2024, with revenues from tourist accommodation reaching €492 million—an increase of 12.8% year-on-year. The city recorded over six million overnight stays in larger accommodation units, representing a 6.9% growth. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) held strong at €80, while international visitors spent an estimated €588 million via card transactions. Porto airport also saw record performance, handling more than 15 million passengers, up 4.9% from 2023. The municipal tourist tax alone generated around €20.9 million in revenue.

According to Porto’s City Council, this success stems from a concerted effort to improve the quality and sustainability of the tourism offering. Initiatives included targeted training programmes such as the “Confiança Porto” and strategic partnerships with institutions like the Porto School of Hospitality and Tourism. The Council also implemented measures to redistribute tourist flows beyond the historic centre, encouraging exploration of eight surrounding districts. Projects like Global Kitchen, Curated Porto, and the city’s involvement in the Great Wine Capitals network illustrate a drive to diversify visitor profiles and deepen engagement with local culture.

Looking ahead, the outlook for 2025 remains optimistic. The European Travel Commission forecasts a trend towards longer, higher-budget holidays, with 30% of Europeans planning to spend between €1,501 and €2,500 per trip, and 17% expecting to spend more than €2,500. Councillor Catarina Santos Cunha expects tourism in Porto to continue its upward trajectory, supported by ongoing investments in new accommodation ventures and a continuous enhancement of the visitor experience.

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