≡-US Unites with Brazil, China, UK and Others to Power Tourism Surge in Portugal as Tax-Free Travel Shopping Hits New High – Viral of Today

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Home » America Travel News » US Unites with Brazil, China, UK and Others to Power Tourism Surge in Portugal as Tax-Free Travel Shopping Hits New High Wednesday, July 16, 2025US unites with Brazil, China, UK and others to power a tourism surge in Portugal as tax-free travel shopping hits a new high, driven by soaring international arrivals and record VAT refund claims from high-spending travelers. Tourists from these five nations accounted for more than half of all certified tax-free purchases in the country, with Americans and Chinese visitors leading in average spending, while Brazilians and Brits contributed significantly to transaction volume. This surge reflects Portugal’s growing appeal as a global destination for premium travel and shopping experiences.Five Nations Are on a Tax-Free Spending Binge to Justify Record DeficitsLast year, more than 889,000 tax-free invoices were certified in Portugal, an increase of 8.2% compared to 2023, read the 2024 Report on the Fight Against Tax and Customs Fraud and Evasion. These purchases triggered over €86 million in VAT exemptions, up 10% versus 2018, indicative not just of more travelers, but also higher levels of individual spending.Five nationalities are driving this growth: Brazil, the US, China, Angola and the UK. Collectively, those travellers represented more than half of all VAT refund requests processed through Portugal’s official e-Taxfree platform.Big-Spending Purchases Are Most Common Among US and China TouristsWhile Brazilian visitors accounted for the highest total invoice volume — they were the source of 22 percent of all tax-free transactions — American and Chinese tourists directed the highest average purchase values.U.S. tourists spent roughly €1,077 per VAT-refunded transactionChinese visitors were also the biggest spenders at €1,657 on average for each purchase.Brazilians were next up with an average of €392, followed by Angolans at an average of €360.That mixture of transactions from Brazil and the UK and of high-value spends from the US and China forms the bread and butter of the burgeoning Portuguese travel retail sector.Arrival Figures Confirm Tourism SurgeOfficial estimates confirm the spike in tax-free spending:The United States led the pack with more than 1 million visitors in the first half of 2024, on pace to surpass 2 million arrivals by year’s end. This is part of an American surge of interest in Portugal, which has become a primary European stop for the US travelers who are looking for culture, coastal charm and a bit of tax-free shopping.Brazil, a historical destination for Portugal, saw around 25,860 tourist arrivals, but analysts warn of possible misreporting. If you look back over time, the real number is probably tens of thousands. Brazilians still lead the VAT refund system in volume of transactions anyway.China’s travel rebound also picked up pace, with 286,676 Chinese tourists visiting Portugal in 2024, contributing to some of the highest luxury retail and tax-free spending. As long-haul air routes reopen and outbound demand rises, affluent Chinese tourists are once more taking center stage in Europe’s high-spend economy.The UK was one of Portugal’s biggest European markets with 12% of all international arrivals. Of the 29 million foreign tourists in 2024, approximately 3.48 million were British – a number that ensures ongoing high traffic to Portugal’s hotel and leisure economy all year long.Angola is not published in official arrival breakdowns, but it weighs among VAT refund claims’ top five countries. That’s indicative of what might be a constant trickle of Angolans who simply don’t show up in big numbers, but add up to a lot of money in the country’s spending-based tourism economy.These 5 countries were the backbone of Portugal’s tourism base in 2024, as they generated both stable arrivals and high spend in cities and airports.Garbage Lisbon Airport at the Forefront of VAT Refund SystemPortugal’s VAT refund flow passed through Lisbon airport in arms of the plane. The airport accounted for about 75 per cent of the value of all tax-free invoices:230,610 holidaymakers bought tax-free in Lisbon ItemType=”1″3700 lb230,610 holidaymakers bought tax-free in Lisbon.Their turnover amounted to more than € 342 million (inclusive of VAT).In comparison:The airport of Porto: 7% of tax-free claim – € 35 million.Faro Airport came second, with 2%, or a little more than €7 millionAs airport arrivals and refunds are so closely linked, Lisbon’s supremacy of both suggest it is Portugal’s retail and tourism capital.As We Rise You A New Day Everyday Body CountPortugal’s tax-free boom is a reflection of the recovery in air travel. A new national record of 69.2 million passengers passed through the country’s airports in 2024. Lisbon Airport separately received 35.1 million passengers, further reinforcing its role as the premier destination for international tourism and luxury shopping departures.These numbers are similar to those of VAT exemption figures, indicating an apparent link between growing arrivals and increased tax-free shopping.High-Spend Travel Economy Enriched by Overseas GuestsThe 2024 report also shows that more than 65% of the total value of tax-free transactions was posted by just five countries: Brazil, the US, Angola, China and the UK. These are the markets that continue to guide Portuguese inbound tourism strategy with a strong emphasis on long haul, high spend visitors.What’s more, Portugal’s hassle-free VAT refund regimes, world-class shopping, competitive prices and cultural heritage are giving it a leg up on other European destinations.US unites with Brazil, China, UK and others to power a tourism surge in Portugal as tax-free travel shopping hits a new high due to soaring visitor arrivals and record-breaking VAT-free spending. This rise is fueled by a sharp increase in high-value purchases and growing interest from long-haul markets.City Guide to PortugalYour Insider’s Look at the Must-Visit Cities Driving Portugal’s Travel and Shopping BoomPortugal offers a seamless mix of old-world charm, modern lifestyle, coastal escapes, and tax-free shopping, making it one of the most rewarding destinations for travelers from the US, Brazil, China, the UK, and beyond. Here’s your guide to the cities shaping Portugal’s global tourism surge.Lisbon – The Soul of PortugalWhy Go:As Portugal’s capital and biggest VAT refund hub, Lisbon offers everything from historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Belém to vibrant shopping districts, gourmet cuisine, and modern cultural hotspots.Don’t Miss:Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower for heritage loversLX Factory for indie boutiques, art galleries, and cafesAvenida da Liberdade for luxury shopping eligible for VAT refundsTram 28 for a vintage ride through the city’s hillsTravel Tips:Use Lisbon Card for discounted access to museums and public transitMost tax-free purchases are processed at Lisbon Airport, so save receiptsExpect crowds in summer—plan sightseeing early morning or after sunsetPorto – Wine, Bridges, and Timeless StreetsWhy Go:Known for its Port wine cellars and atmospheric riverside views, Porto is Portugal’s second city and a UNESCO-listed gem that blends history with creative modern energy.Don’t Miss:Dom Luís I Bridge and sunset views over the Douro RiverLivraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstoresWine tastings in Vila Nova de GaiaArtisan shops in the Rua das Flores districtShopping Tip:Porto offers VAT-free shopping on designer fashion, ceramics, and leather goodsMany boutiques will assist with e-Taxfree certification before departureFaro – Gateway to the AlgarveWhy Go:Faro is the capital of southern Portugal’s Algarve region, famous for its beaches, seafood, and relaxed charm. While often seen as a transit hub, Faro rewards travelers who linger.Don’t Miss:Old Town Faro with cobbled alleys and centuries-old architectureDay trips to Ilha Deserta or Praia da MarinhaEvening strolls along the Ria Formosa lagoonAirport Info:Faro Airport handles a smaller share of VAT refunds (just 2%) but is efficientVAT-free eligible shops are mostly located in Mar Shopping Algarve near the airportSintra – Palaces in the MistWhy Go:A short train ride from Lisbon, Sintra is pure fairy-tale magic. Its forest-covered hills, romantic palaces, and mystical Moorish ruins make it a must-visit.Don’t Miss:The bright yellow Pena PalaceQuinta da Regaleira, a dreamscape of underground tunnels and gardensSintra’s historic town center for pastries like travesseirosTip:Crowds peak midday—visit early morning for the best light and fewer touristsSome artisan shops offer VAT-eligible souvenirs, so bring your passportCascais – Seaside EleganceWhy Go:Cascais is Lisbon’s answer to the French Riviera — a charming coastal resort town with an air of quiet luxury, ideal for shopping, seafood, and golden beaches.Don’t Miss:Boca do Inferno cliffs for dramatic ocean viewsChic boutiques in the old quarterBike ride to Guincho Beach for sunsetsGood to Know:Many visitors pair Cascais with a day trip to Estoril and its famous casinoVAT-free shopping applies to upscale jewelry, clothing, and galleriesÉvora – History Beneath the SurfaceWhy Go:Évora offers a deep dive into Portugal’s Roman past, located in the Alentejo region and known for temples, cathedrals, and even bone chapels.Don’t Miss:The Roman Temple of ÉvoraChapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos)Local olive oil and cork-based souvenirsInsider Tip:Less crowded than Lisbon or Porto, but VAT refund still applies to all qualifying purchases from registered retailersFinal Travel Notes for Tax-Free ShoppersEligibility: Non-EU residents qualify for VAT refunds on purchases over €50 (including Americans, Brazilians, Chinese, Angolans, and Brits post-Brexit)How It Works:Ask for a tax-free form (or digital e-Taxfree registration) at the time of purchaseGet it validated at the airport (Lisbon, Porto, or Faro) before departureRefunds are credited via credit card or cash, minus handling feesBest Cities for VAT Refunds: Lisbon dominates with 75% of all claims, but Porto and Faro also participateAs the US joins Brazil, China, the UK and Angola, Portugal is witnessing a magnificent tidal wave of incoming tourists who not only spend more, but stay longer, and leave a greater mark on the national economy. From Lisbon’s high-end boutiques to Porto’s international terminals, the tourism and retail sectors in Portugal are ascending together.With record tax-free travel shopping and international arrivals rising, Portugal is no longer simply a picture-perfect escape — it’s the destination where the world comes to travel, spend, and shop smart.

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