Portugal Expects Record Number of Brazilian Tourists in 2026 as TAP and Gol Ramp Up Transatlantic Flights

Almost 160,000 Brazilian Visitors in January and February Alone

Portugal is on track to welcome a record number of Brazilian tourists this year, after the first two months of 2026 smashed previous highs for arrivals and overnight stays from Brazil. The Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services, Pedro Machado, confirmed the figures at an industry event on Sunday, calling Brazil "one of the most dynamic and strategic markets for Portuguese tourism."

Between January and February, nearly 160,000 Brazilian citizens checked into accommodation in Portugal, generating more than 358,000 overnight stays — a 16 per cent increase over the same period in 2025. The growth is particularly significant because it comes during what is traditionally one of the quieter months for transatlantic travel.

TAP's Brazilian Network Expansion Is the Engine Behind the Boom

Much of the surge can be attributed to TAP Air Portugal's aggressive capacity expansion on Brazilian routes. The national carrier now operates direct flights to 15 cities across Brazil — making it the European airline with the most extensive network in the country. TAP added frequencies on several high-demand routes over the past year, including São Paulo–Guarulhos, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, and Recife.

The arrival of Gol Linhas Aéreas on the Lisbon route, scheduled for October 2026, is expected to add further momentum. Gol's entry will mark the first time a Brazilian low-cost carrier operates regular scheduled flights to Portugal, potentially opening the market to a new segment of price-sensitive travellers who previously considered transatlantic trips out of reach.

Why Brazil Matters More Than Ever for Portuguese Tourism

Brazil has historically been one of Portugal's top five source markets, but it has gained additional strategic importance as the geopolitical landscape reshapes global tourism flows. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted travel patterns across the eastern Mediterranean and Gulf states, redirecting tourist spending toward southern European destinations perceived as safe and stable.

For Brazilian travellers, Portugal offers the obvious advantage of a shared language, along with direct flight connections, a familiar cultural framework, and — since 2024 — a simplified visa-waiver arrangement for short stays. The weak Brazilian real against the euro remains a headwind, but the sheer volume of the Brazilian middle class means that even modest penetration rates translate into significant numbers.

The Broader Picture: Tourism Revenue as an Economic Buffer

Tourism contributed an estimated 17 per cent of Portuguese GDP in 2025, and the government has set a target of 30 million international visitors for 2026. Reaching that figure will depend heavily on markets like Brazil, which can compensate for any softness in traditional European source countries affected by slower economic growth.

The Secretary of State also noted that Portugal is investing in diversifying tourism beyond Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve — directing Brazilian visitors toward lesser-known regions such as the Alentejo, the Silver Coast, and the Azores, where hotel occupancy rates remain well below their potential.

Sources: Lusa, Rádio Regional, Secretary of State for Tourism

Related reading: Filing Your IRS Tax Return in Portugal: Deadlines, Tax Brackets, Deductions, and a Step-by-Step Guide for 2026