Tag: Mercan Asia

Mercan Group is approaching the final phase of development for Porto Arts Suites, a new hospitality project in Porto scheduled to open in 2026 under the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand. The project marks another milestone in Mercan’s strategy of developing internationally branded hospitality assets across Portugal. Porto Arts Suites is notable for its individual […]

Portugal has established itself as the destination of choice for those seeking a peaceful retirement, ranking 1st in the world’s safest places for retirees and 7th in the Global Peace Index. According to an analysis by International Living magazine, which ranked the country 4th among the best places to live in 2026, safety is the […]

Greece remains one of the three most popular summer destinations for German travelers as overall travel spending from Germany reached a new record high of 87.9 billion euros in 2025, according to the German Travel Association (DRV). Presenting the figures at the opening press conference of ITB Berlin 2026 on Monday, DRV President Albin Loidl […]

Over the past few days, several reports from Greek media discussing a new wave of tax audits targeting real estate transactions across Greece. For those who have been following the Greek property market closely, this development is quite significant. Greek tax authorities are reportedly strengthening supervision over property deals, especially those involving unclear sources of […]

The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) implemented, on 1 March 2026, an update to the fee schedule applicable to the entry and stay of foreign citizens in Portugal. After almost a year without changes, the new values show increases of up to 33%, particularly affecting the most requested administrative acts, such as initial […]

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described 2025 as a record year for Greek tourism, citing travel receipts of 23.63 billion euros and revenue growth that outpaced the rise in visitor numbers. In a weekly review post on Sunday, Mitsotakis said that “2025 was a record year, with travel receipts reaching 23.63 billion euros”, marking an […]

The supply of rental housing in Portugal grew by 11% in the last quarter of 2025, compared to the same period the previous year. According to data published on 25 February 2026, by the real estate portal idealista, this increase in stock was particularly visible in the district capitals, with Coimbra (47%) and Aveiro (45%) […]

Based on existing bookings, tourism market estimates for 2026 suggest that the positive trend after last year’s record figures is set to continue. This year, tourism receipts are expected to increase by at least 5%, barring any unforeseen economic and geopolitical developments. If this scenario holds, the amounts inflowing from Greece’s top five markets will […]

In 2025, the balance of travel services showed a surplus of €20.25 billion, up from a surplus of €18.79 billion in 2024. According to the Bank of Greece, travel receipts rose by €2.03 billion, or 9.4%, to €23.62 billion, while travel payments also increased by €565.5 million, or 20.2%, to €3.37 billion. The rise in […]

In recent years, the Greece holiday property market has undergone a noticeable shift. Overseas demand is increasingly moving toward smaller-sized and newer residential properties, while large and older holiday villas are seeing a clear decline in appeal. This trend highlights a more rational and cost-conscious investment approach among international buyers. Declining Demand for Large and […]

Greece has once again been named the world’s leading residence-by-investment destination, topping the Global Residence Program Index for the second consecutive year, according to a global wealth advisory firm. Published annually as part of the firm’s Residence and Citizenship Programs report, the index evaluates the strength and attractiveness of leading residence-by-investment programs worldwide. The 2026 […]

Last year, spending by foreign tourists in Portugal grew by 5%, exceeding that of Portuguese tourists abroad, which increased by 4.5% year-on-year. Tourism revenue in Portugal reached €29,131 million, while spending by Portuguese citizens abroad was €7,155 million in 2025. The balance thus reached €22 billion, a record value in the statistical series that began […]

The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) has just launched its new renewal portal. The tool allows immigrants to renew their Residence Permits that expire during May and June 2026 online. The agency asks foreign citizens who find themselves in the situation described above to use the portal at portal-renovacoes.aima.gov.pt to renew their residence […]

According to Dils Portugal, “an investment volume of €895 million was recorded in the last quarter of 2025, bringing the annual total to €2.8 billion” in the property sector. A press release reveals that investment volume in 2025 increased by 22% compared to 2024, 10% above the “average for the last ten years.” Dils also […]

Passenger traffic rose by 2% at the 24 airports managed by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) in January compared with the same month in 2025. The airports are Iraklio, Kalamata, Alexandroupoli, Limnos, Astypalea, Ioannina, Chios, Kozani, Kastoria, Karpathos, Kythira, Milos, Skyros, Nea Anchialos, Paros, Syros, Araxos, Naxos, Kalymnos, Ikaria, Kastellorizo, Kasos, Leros and Sitia. […]