Portugal is expecting a record number of Brazilian tourists in 2026, after figures for the first two months of the year surpassed those recorded in the same period last year, the Secretary of State for Tourism, Trade and Services said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Atlantic Tourism Forum — Portugal & Brazil, held in São Paulo and promoted by the Fundação Luso-Brasileira, Pedro Machado said current data suggests that “2026 will break all records” for Brazilian visitors.
According to figures shared with Lusa, nearly 160,000 Brazilian tourists stayed in Portugal during the first two months of the year, accounting for more than 358,000 overnight stays.
Data confirmed by representatives from regional tourism boards — including Portugal, Norte, Centro, Lisboa, Algarve and Alentejo — indicate growth rates of over 17% in some regions.
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“This shows that demand is not concentrated only in Lisbon — the entire country is receiving Brazilian visitors, which suggests that 2026 will surpass all previous records,” Machado said.
Brazilian tourists currently rank as the fourth-largest group of visitors to Portugal. In February alone, demand rose by around 16%, a significant figure for a month typically affected by adverse weather conditions.
Preliminary data for March, although not yet finalized, also points to strong growth. Machado added that bookings for summer 2026 are already trending significantly higher compared to 2025.
One of the main drivers behind this expected record is the expansion of flights operated by TAP Air Portugal.
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“TAP is increasing frequencies — instead of 13, we will have direct flights to 15 Brazilian cities, which means more than 100 flights per week,” he said, noting that Curitiba is expected to gain a direct connection in July, followed by São Luís in October.
Additionally, Brazilian airline Gol Linhas Aéreas is set to begin operating flights to Lisbon from October.
Machado also pointed to broader global factors contributing to increased demand for Portugal, noting that international conditions are making the country a more attractive destination.
In 2025, preliminary data showed that tourist accommodation establishments in Portugal recorded 32.5 million guests and 82.1 million overnight stays, representing annual growth of 3.0% and 2.2%, respectively.
