Tourism Revenue Comparison January–September 2025: Portugal and Greece Shine

• 4 December, 25

According to the latest official data, tourism revenues in Portugal and Greece showed growth during the first nine months of 2025, though monthly performance reflected notable seasonal variations.

Portugal Tourism Revenue Continues to Grow

Data from the Bank of Portugal (BdP) show that in September 2025, Portugal’s tourism revenue reached €3.213 billion, up 4.2% year-on-year, an increase of €129 million compared to September 2024. As of the end of September, cumulative tourism revenue for the year surpassed €23.5 billion.

The growth is primarily driven by increased spending from international visitors, boosting the services trade surplus by €187 million in September. However, tourism revenue in Portugal exhibits clear seasonality: September revenue fell 26% compared to August, dropping to €1.134 billion.

Meanwhile, Portuguese residents’ outbound travel spending also rose, reaching €739 million in September (+1.7% year-on-year). But due to similar seasonal effects, it fell 16.4% from August, decreasing to €1.45 billion.

Greece Tourism Revenue Shows Steady Growth, Slight September Dip

According to the Bank of Greece, tourism revenue in the first nine months of 2025 reached €20.13 billion, up 9% year-on-year. September revenue totaled €3.42 billion, down 3.6% compared to the same month last year.

Although inbound tourist numbers increased 3.6% year-on-year, average spending per visitor declined 7.8%, resulting in a slight drop in monthly revenue. Cumulatively, Greece’s tourism revenue still shows strong growth, supported by a 4.3% increase in average spending per visitor and a 4% rise in tourist arrivals.

EU tourists contributed €10.9 billion (+5.6%), while non-EU markets generated €8.1 billion (+12.7%). Among top international markets, UK visitors contributed €3 billion (+11.9%) and US visitors €1.4 billion (+11.7%).

Tourism Revenue Trends: Portugal and Greece Move at Different Paces

• Portugal’s cumulative tourism revenue slightly exceeds Greece’s.
• Greece shows faster year-on-year growth (9%), while Portugal’s cumulative growth is slightly lower, though Portugal recorded monthly growth in September, whereas Greece experienced a minor dip.
• Portugal exhibits stronger seasonal swings, with September revenue down 26% from August, while Greece’s monthly decline was more moderate at 3.6%.
• Both countries benefit from European and American tourists, but Greece is more reliant on the UK and US markets.

Overall, tourism in Portugal and Greece has performed strongly in the first nine months of 2025, with cumulative revenues reaching near-record levels. Portugal maintains a slightly higher revenue scale but with higher seasonal volatility, while Greece shows faster growth, though monthly spending dipped slightly. With the year-end high season approaching, both markets still have substantial growth potential.

Cre: The Portugal News & Greek Travel Pages