UK overnight stays in Portugal up 39.5% in 10 years

Figures from Portugal’s national statistics institute (INE) reveal that the number of overnight stays by UK visitors has increased by 39.5% in 10 years from 7,095,996 in 2013 to 9,901.272 in 2023.

Data from Portugal's national statistics institute (INE) indicates a significant surge in the number of overnight stays by UK visitors, with a remarkable 39.5% increase over the past decade. The figures have risen from 7,095,996 in 2013 to 9,901,272 in 2023, showcasing the growing popularity of Portugal among UK tourists and visitors from around the world. In 2023, the Iberian Peninsula country welcomed a record total of 18 million visitors.

However, it is not just holidaymakers who are drawn to Portugal. Data from the Portuguese border and immigration authority (AIMA, formerly known as SEF) reveals a substantial rise in the number of UK citizens choosing to reside in Portugal. In 2013, there were 16,471 UK citizens living in Portugal, a number that nearly tripled to 45,218 by 2022.

Christina Hippisley, General Manager of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, has observed this rapid increase in interest in Portugal over the past decade. She notes that as more UK visitors discover the country, there is a growing demand from individuals looking to live and work in Portugal, in addition to holidaymakers. This surge in interest is fueling demand for properties across the country, particularly in major cities like Lisbon and Porto, as well as the sun-soaked Southern Algarve region.

Hippisley highlights the attractive taxation and visa regimes in Portugal as key factors driving UK buyers and entrepreneurs to explore residency options in the country. For those considering a move to Portugal, the Moving to Portugal Show, organized by the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, offers a valuable resource to learn about the legal, tax, and financial implications of relocation. Scheduled to take place at London's Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel on March 14, 2024, from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm, the show will feature seminars and presentations by expert speakers covering all aspects of moving from the UK to Portugal. Free tickets are now available to book online. For more information, please contact the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK: www.portuguese-chamber.org.uk or www.movingtoportugal.org.uk.