Portugal is a country located in southwestern Europe, known for its stunning beaches, historic cities, and delicious cuisine. The country has been on the rise as a popular tourist destination in recent years, and for good reason. Let’s take a closer look at where Portugal ranks in terms of tourism.
Overall Rankings
According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Portugal ranked 13th in the world for international tourist arrivals in 2019. The country welcomed over 12.5 million visitors that year, which is a significant increase from previous years.
European Rankings
In terms of European rankings, Portugal comes in at number 4 for international tourist arrivals, behind France, Spain, and Italy. Despite being a smaller country compared to these three, Portugal has still managed to attract a large number of tourists due to its unique culture and attractions.
Popular Destinations
Some of the most popular destinations within Portugal include Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Madeira Island and Azores Archipelago. Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal and attracts tourists with its historic architecture and vibrant nightlife scene.
Porto is known for its famous port wine cellars and scenic river views. Algarve is home to some of Europe’s best beaches along with golf courses and resorts. Madeira Island offers nature lovers with beautiful landscapes such as mountains filled with greenery while Azores Archipelago is made up of nine volcanic islands that offer visitors an abundance of natural beauty.
Covid-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on tourism globally including Portugal’s tourism industry as well. According to Statistics Portugal (INE), there was a decrease of 73% in overnight stays by non-residents in Portuguese hotels during June 2020 compared to June 2019 due to travel restrictions put in place. However, with the gradual easing of restrictions and implementation of safety measures, Portugal is slowly but surely on track to recover its tourism industry.
Conclusion
Overall, Portugal has proven to be a popular tourist destination in recent years. With its unique culture, beautiful attractions and warm hospitality, it’s no surprise that more people are choosing Portugal as their vacation spot. Despite the challenges faced by the tourism industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Portugal remains optimistic about the future of its tourism industry.