In the latest report, Portugal achieved 4.74 points (out of a maximum 7), while the leader, Spain, had 5.43. The list includes 136 countries.
France was once more ranked second and Germany third, while Japan climbed five places to fourth.
The UK was unchanged in fifth place.
In the various parameters assessed in the study,
Portugal did best where tourist infrastructure was concerned, with 6.4 points (ranking it fourth in the world) and in safety and in health and hygiene, with 6.3.
Its lowest score, 3.9, was for airport infrastructure, natural and cultural resources and business tourism.
Tourism is one of Portugal’s most important sectors, and has been expanding rapidly in recent years.
Among other Portuguese-language countries, Brazil was 27th, up one place, Cape Verde 83rd, up three, and Mozambique 122nd, up eight.