Portugal has become one of Europe’s most exciting travel destinations and now one of its most promising travel tech hubs. In 2024, the country welcomed a record 31.6 million visitors, reaching new highs in both arrivals and revenues.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the sector is projected to contribute €62.7 billion to the national economy in 2025, representing 21.5% of GDP and supporting nearly 1.2 million jobs.
The 25 de Abril Bridge connects Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon to the municipality of Almada.
Tourism has long been a cornerstone of the Portuguese economy. What is changing now is the way technology is reshaping every part of the travel experience, from planning and booking to exploration and sharing.
Portugal’s startup scene has matured rapidly, producing global successes such as Talkdesk, Remote, and Feedzai. Startup funding has grown by around 30% annually since 2016, and the ecosystem now benefits from strong public and private support. Initiatives like Startup Portugal, Turismo de Portugal’s innovation programs, and the Startup Visa scheme continue to attract international founders looking for a launchpad in Europe.
The country’s position as host to Web Summit Lisbon further strengthens its status as a magnet for talent and investment. With an affordable cost of living, high quality of life, and a multilingual, skilled workforce, Portugal offers the ideal foundation for innovation in travel technology.
1. All-in-One Travel Platforms Modern travelers expect a frictionless, digital-first experience. New platforms are consolidating discovery, planning, and booking into unified ecosystems, allowing travelers to move seamlessly from inspiration to action. These integrated tools aim to simplify decision-making while also embedding sustainability metrics, loyalty systems, and community elements.
2. Sustainable and Responsible Travel As climate awareness grows, sustainability has shifted from a niche value to a core business driver. Startups are developing tools that measure carbon footprints, encourage local participation, and guide users toward low-impact travel choices. The ability to translate sustainability into accessible, data-backed actions is becoming a defining factor for next-generation travel tech brands.
3. Experiential and Wellness Travel A new generation of travelers is prioritizing experiences over consumption. Portugal, with its mix of nature, culture, and wellness traditions, is ideally positioned to serve this demand. Entrepreneurs are creating digital solutions that connect visitors with authentic, local experiences, from surf therapy retreats and culinary workshops to sunrise community gatherings and cultural immersion programs.
4. Smart City Passes and Bundled Services Urban tourism is being transformed by digital passes that combine convenience and value. Lisbon and Porto are seeing a rise in smart city cards that give access to transport, attractions, and experiences through a single platform. These models benefit both travelers and local partners, offering real-time data insights that help cities manage visitor flows more sustainably.
The Tripnly Lisboa City Pass provides attractions and activities in an affordable package.
5. AI and Personalization Artificial Intelligence is redefining how travelers interact with destinations. From AI-based itinerary builders and dynamic pricing engines to personalized local recommendations, technology is shifting the focus from mass tourism to tailored exploration. With its strong pool of developers and AI researchers, Portugal is well-placed to lead in this field.
6. Digital Nomads and Long-Stay Travelers Portugal’s welcoming visa policies, sunny climate, and strong internet infrastructure have made it a global hub for remote workers. Communities such as Madeira’s Digital Nomad Village and coworking networks in Lisbon and Ericeira highlight the growing demand for platforms that blend travel, work, and lifestyle services. Startups that can integrate accommodation, community, and experience layers stand to define the next frontier of travel.
Portugal’s advantage lies in its balance of authentic local culture and global connectivity. Its small geographic size allows startups to test, launch, and scale quickly, while its international exposure through tourism provides immediate access to diverse user bases. The presence of government-backed programs, a growing investor network, and strong collaboration between public and private sectors further enhance its appeal.
In addition, Portugal’s focus on sustainability and innovation sets it apart. From green energy initiatives to smart city projects, the country is aligning policy with the digital transformation of tourism. This creates a fertile environment for startups to develop solutions that serve both economic and environmental goals.
Portugal’s tourism and startup ecosystems are converging at the right time. Record visitor numbers, digital adoption, and entrepreneurial energy are shaping a new wave of travel innovation. Startups that succeed will be those that combine technology with empathy, enhancing rather than replacing the human side of travel.
As travelers seek more meaningful, connected, and sustainable journeys, Portugal is positioning itself not just as a destination but as a creator of the future of travel.
The message is clear: the travel tech revolution is already happening here, and Portugal is ready to lead it.
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Hello everyone 👋🏽
My name is Alper Aydın and I’m the Co-founder & CEO of Tripnly (tripnly.com), a Lisbon-based software company focused on travel technologies.
Lately, I’ve been closely experiencing how Portugal is evolving, not only as a travel destination but also as a fast-growing travel tech hub, especially since we moved Tripnly’s HQ to Lisbon at the beginning of 2025. This perspective comes directly from what we’ve been building at Tripnly and from the experiences, observations, and conversations I’ve had across the local ecosystem.
I’d love to hear your thoughts: How do you see the future of travel tech in Portugal or Europe? Which areas do you believe will have the biggest impact, AI, sustainability, or experience-driven travel?
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts! 🙌🏽
İmpressive