The year 2023 marked a significant turning point for Portugal, welcoming over 13 million visitors throughout the year. In light of these impressive figures, testifying to the country's growing appeal as a tourist destination, 90 Portuguese companies and representatives from all regions of the country are converging on the ITB, the world's largest travel trade fair, taking place in Berlin from Tuesday.
This ambitious approach aims not only to consolidate these positive results, but also to maintain this momentum by strengthening links with the German market, Portugal's second biggest contributor in terms of overnight stays.
Tourism in Portugal: 13 million visitors by 2023 and reinforced ambitions at ITB Berlin
Germany occupies second place as an outbound market in terms of overnight stays, thus assuming considerable importance, as stressed by the President of Tourism, Carlos Abade, in statements to the Lusa agency. "It is with great enthusiasm that we begin this participation on March 4, with a series of meetings with various operators... tourismWe're also looking forward to the meetings already scheduled by our partner companies," he added.
In 2023, the German market accounted for over six million overnight stays, representing a 12% share of total overnight stays recorded the previous year, with an increase of around 13% compared to 2022. Carlos Abade acknowledges that the German market is growing.
"All the data we have concerning the behavior of the German market for this year is positive. The German economy itself, which recorded a slight reduction in GDP of around 0.3% last year, should start to grow this year, and this growth will increase in 2025," he emphasized.
The President also highlights the "fairly rapid recovery" of the German market after the pandemic. Globally, tourism revenues increased by 38% in 2023 compared to 2019.
ITB begins on Tuesday and ends on March 7. The travel and tourism industry fair has been held since 1966, and in addition to exhibitors, features conferences, workshops and social events. The massive participation of Portuguese companies at this world-class event illustrates Portugal's ongoing commitment to promoting its tourism sector and consolidating relations with the German market, a key element of its tourism strategy.
