This Easter, between April 17 and 20, Portugal was the destination of many foreigners, according to data shared by SIBS Analytics. The number of purchases and withdrawals increased by 30% and the amount spent rose by 22%. Despite this, the average transaction value was 39€ – 3€ less than during the same period last year.
Looking at total foreign spending in Portugal, Spanish tourists led the way, accounting for 18% of transactions, followed by visitors from the UK (14%), French (12%), United States (7%) and Brazil (5%), compared to the same period last year.
In broader terms, the number of purchases and withdrawals in Portugal increased by 5% compared to the same period last year, with an average spend of €38. Physical purchases made via MB WAY grew significantly, with a 32% increase in number and an average spend of €21.
With regard to physical purchases in supermarkets, the Portuguese spent an average of €29 over the Easter period – €2 less than the average daily amount spent from the previous weekend through Wednesday. From Thursday to Saturday, before Easter Sunday, there was a 27% increase in supermarket purchases on Thursday, 38% on Friday and 47% on Saturday, compared to the daily average between April 12 and 16.
During Easter week (April 14-20), Lisbon and Porto experienced slight declines in physical purchases and withdrawals, down 6% and 3% respectively. This suggests a growing preference for rural or inland destinations, due to the increase in transactions in districts such as Guarda (+16%), Bragança and Beja (both +12%), Castelo Branco (11%) and Viseu (10%), compared to the previous week.
Among the Portuguese who traveled to destinations in Portugal more than 50 km from their cities, Viseu stood out, with an increase of 166% in physical consumption by Lisbon residents and 47% by Porto residents. Faro also experienced notable growth, with a 95% increase in operations carried out by Lisbon residents and 62% from those based in Porto. In the north region, trips between Porto and Bragança resulted in a 75% increase in purchases, while the Porto-Viana do Castelo route saw a 17% rise.
Portuguese travelers who ventured abroad over Easter contributed to an 11% increase in physical purchases and withdrawals outside Portugal. While the total value of these transactions rose by 2% compared to the previous year, the average spend, now at €45, showed a slight drop of €4 compared to Easter 2024. Spain led the way as the preferred destination, accounting for 34% of total Portuguese consumption abroad, followed by France (19%), Italy (7%), the Netherlands and Belgium (5%).
On Easter Sunday, the restaurant sector experienced an increase in the number and value of transactions compared to the previous year, 5% and 10% respectively. The average value also showed a positive variation, rising by €1 to reach €31
Other indicators considered relevant can be analyzed in the annex.
