In a move reflecting Portugal’s evolving tourism strategy, Turismo de Portugal has earmarked significant new funding to underpin new cultural and heritage projects in the Médio Tejo region.
These initiatives—one in Abrantes focused on its olive oil heritage, the other in Vila Nova da Barquinha, centred on its paratrooper history—are part of a broader agenda to encourage tourism beyond coastal and metropolitan areas.
They form part of a national programme under which 37 tourism undertakings in Portugal’s interior will receive €25.8 million, including €16.6 million in non-refundable grants.
At a ceremony in Coimbra, Carlos Abade, president of Turismo de Portugal, emphasised that every funded project aims to “deepen the country’s tourism resilience, sustainability, and global competitiveness”.
Paul Stannard, chairman and founder of Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club, says: “For years, Portugal’s tourism success has been concentrated along the coast and in Lisbon and Porto.
“What we’re seeing now is a conscious effort to spread that prosperity inland—helping smaller towns build sustainable, experience-driven tourism that keeps cultural heritage alive while generating long-term economic value.”
Portugal’s growing tourism sector
Against that context, the broader performance of Portugal’s tourism sector offers compelling momentum.
The World Travel & Tourism Council anticipates that in 2025 the industry will contribute €62.7 billion to the Portuguese economy—equivalent to 21.5% of GDP. In 2024, the same sector accounted for €60.6 billion, or around 21.3% of GDP, and supported 1.2 million jobs, nearly a quarter of national employment.
Official figures reinforce the trend. In April 2025, the tourist accommodation sector recorded 2.9 million guests and 7.1 million overnight stays, generating more than €570 million in revenue.
Earlier in the year, January 2025 saw 1.6 million visitors, a year-on-year rise of over 8%, with almost 3.7 million nights stayed and tourism revenue up nearly 14%.
Paul Sheedy, special advisor at the Portugal Future Fund, said: “Tourism and hospitality is one of Portugal’s key growth sectors.
“We’re seeing more and more Golden Visa investors who are looking to support and benefit from this growing sector through sustainable investments.
“By investing in inland destinations, Portugal is not just spreading visitor numbers but building resilience against seasonal and regional imbalances.”
Why Portugal is investing in inland tourism
The decision to support heritage and agrarian tourism in regions like Médio Tejo signals a deliberate pivot in Portugal’s tourism policy—the attempt to unlock value in interior municipalities, reduce overreliance on urban and coastal hotspots, and offer more varied experiences to visitors.
Should these pilot endeavours prove successful, they could become blueprints for wider development across inland Portugal.
This aligns with projections that the country’s travel and tourism sector will continue to expand steadily, potentially exceeding €74 billion by 2035 and maintaining a share of more than 22% of GDP.
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 luxury property, wealth management, and tax optimisation, including post-NHR tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, IFICI tax incentive applications, money transfers and bespoke relocation solutions to enhance life and investments in Portugal.
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 Future Fund
The Portugal Future Fund strategically invests in key sectors, driving growth and innovation across Portugal. Approved for Portugal’s Golden Visa residency-by-investment, it offers a unique opportunity for impactful and rewarding participation.
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.
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