The tourism sector in Portugal seems to be responding well to the high rate of inflation that has been felt in recent times in Portugal and in Europe, although it is now slowing down. The latest data from the National Statistics Institute in Portugal (INE) shows this, with the tourist accommodation sector recording 2.7 million guests in April, up 16.5% on the same period last year, and 6.8 million overnight stays, up 13.8% on the same month last year. We have all the details on tourism in Portugal statistics in 2023.
"In April 2023, the tourist accommodation sector recorded 2.7 million guests (+16.5%) and 6.8 million overnight stays (+13.8%), corresponding to 497.1 million euros of total revenue (+28.6%) and 373.6 million euros of room revenue (+29.4%). Compared to April 2019 [pre-pandemic period], there were increases of 48.4% in total income and 50.0% in bedroom income," the INE bulletin reads.
According to the institute, there is also good news regarding business profitability in the tourist accommodation sector, with the average revenue per available room being 63.0 euros and the average revenue per occupied room reaching 105.4 euros. At stake are year-on-year increases of 22.7% and 14.7%, respectively.
"Compared to April 2019, there were increases of 38.4% and 29.6%, respectively, corresponding to the largest increases compared to the pre-pandemic period," concludes INE.
IMI Portugal 2025: what foreign residents and homeowners need to know
The Municipal Property Tax (IMI) is an annual tax charged by Portuguese councils on property owners, including foreign residents who own property in Portugal. This tax is based on the property’s taxable value (VPT) and applies to both rural and urban properties. The amount paid helps to fund local services and infrastructure across the country.
Who’s who in the new Portuguese Government? From ministers to secretaries of state
The 16 ministers forming the 25th Constitutional Government led by Luís Montenegro were sworn in on Thursday, 5 June, during a ceremony presided over by the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, at the Palácio da Ajuda in Lisbon. However, the government’s full composition was only completed after the 43 Secretaries of State took office on Friday, 6 June. These are the key figures who will govern Portugal over the next four years.
Unprecedented power outage in Spain and Portugal: everything we know so far and what to do if it happens again
No electricity, no communication, and in some cases, no running water – that was the situation from around 11:30am yesterday in Portugal and Spain, following a widespread blackout. Many people were unable to work, countless businesses were forced to close due to the lack of power and internet, public transport and road traffic ground to a halt, and long queues formed at petrol stations and supermarkets. Power began to be restored in the early evening on both sides of the Iberian Peninsula, whi
IRS: Personal income tax return dates and deadlines in Portugal
The submission of the IRS personal income tax return for income earned in 2024 begins on 1 April and runs until 30 June. During this period, taxpayers in Portugal must submit their IRS return via the Portal das Finanças, either using Automatic IRS or manually entering their income and expenses. Meeting this deadline is crucial to ensure the correct settlement of taxes, avoid penalties, and, for many, receive the much-anticipated refund.
NHR 2.0: Portugal's tax incentive for scientific research and innovation
Portugal has introduced the Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI), commonly referred to as NHR 2.0, to replace the previous Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime. This new scheme, effective from January 1, 2024, aims to attract highly qualified professionals in scientific research and innovation sectors. This is everything you need to know.
Lisbon among the most attractive cities for property investment in 2025
The European property market is gearing up for a dynamic year in 2025, with Lisbon standing out as one of the most attractive cities for investors. According to the European Investor Intentions Survey 2025, conducted by CBRE, 70% of investors believe the market has already recovered or will recover over the course of the year, following the challenges experienced in 2023.
Portugal’s new tax regime welcomes skilled professionals and families
Portugal has long been a desirable destination for expats, and with the introduction of the updated Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax programme—now known as NHR 2.0—the country is reinforcing its appeal to highly skilled professionals and their families. Officially called the Tax Incentive Scheme for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI), the revamped programme is designed to attract individuals with expertise in high-value industries such as technology, research, and innovation.