Porto confirms its economic dynamism and international appeal

Porto’s Economic Bulletin for the first quarter of 2026 confirms the city’s economic growth trajectory, highlighting a dynamic business ecosystem, a more robust labour market and a rapidly expanding tourism sector. The indicators reinforce Porto’s position as an increasingly attractive destination in which to invest, work and visit.

 

Between January and March, the city recorded a positive business balance, with 635 new companies being set up compared with 224 closures, demonstrating the vitality of the economic fabric and investor confidence. At the same time, the labour market showed a very favourable trend, with a 17% reduction in registered unemployment, bringing the average number of people registered with the IEFP to 9.421 – a clear sign of strengthening economic activity and the creation of job opportunities.

 

Private consumption also remained at high levels. In the first quarter, purchases totalled around 796 million euros, spread across more than 26 million transactions on the city’s Multibanco network. International demand continues to play a significant role in the local economy, with 17% of the value of purchases made using foreign cards, particularly by visitors from the United States, Spain and France – markets that continue to be the main drivers of consumption in Porto.

 

International trade also performed well. Exports of goods originating in Porto exceeded 300 million euros, reflecting the competitiveness of the city’s businesses and their capacity for international expansion.

 

Tourism once again proved to be one of the main drivers of Porto’s economy. Porto Airport handled 3.5 million passengers during the first quarter, whilst tourist accommodation establishments welcomed over 586.000 guests, accounting for 1.2 million overnight stays, representing a 7.3% increase compared with the same period last year. This momentum generated more than 77 million euros in revenue, confirming the sector’s growing importance to the local economy.

 

For Hugo Beirão Rodrigues, Councillor for the Economy and Entrepreneurship and for Tourism and Internationalisation, these results highlight "the resilience and growth potential of Porto’s economy”, emphasising that business dynamism, falling unemployment and the performance of the tourism sector reinforce the city’s appeal to businesses, workers, investors and visitors.

 

Taken as a whole, the data from the Economic Bulletin reveal an urban economy experiencing sustained growth, underpinned by a resilient business sector, a stronger labour market, robust consumption and an expanding tourism sector, consolidating Porto as one of the main economic hubs and a magnet for talent and investment in Portugal.