Porto de Mos, Portugal, May 21, 2026 (Lusa) – Portugal's Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, Castro Almeida, has stated that jet fuel will not pose a problem for this summer's tourism in the country.
"Everything indicates that fuel, specifically jet fuel, will not be a problem for Portugal. Based on the data we have, tourism [from abroad] will not suffer due to the effect of jet fuel," he said.
He was speaking to journalists following the presentation of "Look No Further. Find Your Country", a new domestic tourism campaign promoted by the Portugal Tourist Board, on Tuesday evening. The initiative follows the severe weather impacts earlier this year across several regions that now face an increased need for economic revitalisation.
Asked whether consecutive price hikes could impact domestic tourism, the target of the current campaign, despite guaranteed fuel supplies for planes carrying thousands of tourists to Portugal, the minister offered a blunt assessment. "People will take the holidays they can afford," he stated.
"Our appeal is simply that, when considering holiday destinations for those who can take them, do not forget domestic tourism and this centre region in particular, for whatever length of time they can manage, obviously," he said.
Almeida highlighted that the winter storms had caused serious damage in the centre region of the country, especially near Leiria, and described the country as highly supportive. He urged people not to forget this reality.
"When making choices, we appeal to the country to remember its solidarity and that this region needs it more than others," he said.
He recalled the months of January and February to highlight the "extreme weather events that hit the country" and "caused profound damage to infrastructure, housing, and the economic and social fabric of the centre region." He then acknowledged that tourism "is also, at this moment, a concrete instrument for recovery" and that the campaign launch "more than promoting destinations" activates "an economic and social response."
He said that tourism growth "has been more moderate this year, reflecting the international context and the effects of bad weather."
"We are talking about more moderate growth, but we are talking about growth nevertheless," he said, emphasising that "tourism continues to demonstrate solidity and ability to generate value."
He observed that, based on the Bank of Portugal, "tourism revenues exceeded €5.1 billion in the first quarter of this year, representing a growth of around 3.8% compared to the same period of the previous year."
He considered these figures confirmation that "even in a more demanding context, tourism continues to establish itself as one of the main drivers of the Portuguese economy."
Conversely, Castro Almeida rejected the idea that the country has too many tourists.
"Some say Portugal has too many tourists. But that is a perception that does not correspond to the reality of the country as a whole. It is true that, during certain periods of the year, in specific locations, there is greater pressure. But this does not happen all year round, nor does it happen across the entire country," he said, acknowledging the need "to better distribute flows, in space and time, and to place more value on the regions."
Therefore, "domestic tourism assumes a strategic importance" because it "helps to stabilise activity throughout the year," directly supports the national business fabric, and "ensures that the wealth generated by tourism reaches all regions."
SR/RYOL // AYLS
Lusa
