The summer months of 2026 in Portugal were marked by a significant rise in consumption, with a 6% growth in transaction volume and a 3% increase in total value moved compared to 2025. The average transaction value stood at 38 euros. Operations using foreign cards accounted for one in every six transactions on the MULTIBANCO network, highlighting the impact of international tourism.
The Leisure and Restaurant sectors showed positive trends. Leisure experienced a 20% increase in transactions and a 7% rise in financial value, while Restaurants grew by 10% in operations and 8% in value. These figures underscore the importance of these sectors for consumption during the peak season.
Spending by foreign tourists in Portugal rose by 5% in transaction volume and 1% in value, with an average of 39 euros per operation. France led the issuing markets with 19% of transactions, followed by the United Kingdom (14%) and Spain (12%). Germany and the United States completed the top five, each with 7%.
Portuguese residents also increased their spending, showing a 6% growth in operations and 3% in value, reaching an average of 37 euros per transaction. Spain emerged as the primary destination, capturing 13% of transactions, an 11% increase from 2025. Residents from Lisbon and Porto were the main drivers of this trend.
The Faro district, previously the most sought-after national destination, dropped to second place with 12% of transactions and a 5% decrease. Lisbon maintained 12% of transactions, with visitors mainly from Porto, and Porto recorded 6%, with arrivals from Lisbon. Leiria, with 5%, also saw a slight decline.
Analyzing spending abroad exclusively, Spain accounted for 46% of all international operations, with Lisbon (15%) and Porto (11%) leading in card issuances. France (14%) and Italy (7%) followed, demonstrating a strong concentration of external spending in European destinations.
The evolution of consumer habits and traveler preferences reinforces the need for skilled professionals in the tourism sector. Citeforma offers vocational training in Tourism and Hospitality, focusing on developing competencies to meet the demands of a constantly evolving market.
