The Bank of Portugal's data shows tourism activity generated €2,104.77 million, representing year-on-year growth of 6.69%.

The national economy recorded an additional €132 million compared to last year. This consolidates an expansionary trajectory, which is even clearer when compared to the previous month. That month saw a 40% jump, totalling €602.48 million.

March's performance contributed significantly to first-quarter results.

In the first three months of the year, tourism revenue grew by 3.83%, reaching €5.203 billion. This is an improvement over the €5,011.46 million recorded the previous year.

The figures underscore the country's appeal and the spending profile of international tourists. Their expenditure remains a central pillar for the nation's dynamism and macroeconomic stability.

Tourism revenue is growing, but Portuguese citizens also maintain a strong appetite for travelling abroad. Tourism imports represent spending by Portuguese residents overseas. They climbed 4.42% in March, reaching €375.68 million. This upward trend carried over into the quarter's aggregate results. Portuguese travellers spent €1,098.5 million abroad, an increase of 4.84% compared to last year.

Portuguese citizens are increasingly travelling abroad, but revenue growth is faster. This ensured a favourable sectoral balance. In March, the net balance of the Travel and Tourism category was €1,729.10 million, up 7.20%.

For the first quarter, the sectoral surplus already reached €4,104.99 million, an increase of 3.56%. This reinforces tourism's vital role in sustaining the country's current account balance.