Porto and Faro in Portugal are emerging as key gateways for Saudi tourists – a move driven by growing interest from affluent travelers in the Kingdom and an ongoing push for direct flight links between Riyadh and these Portuguese destinations.
Government officials, including Manuel Castro Almeida, have underlined the urgency of closing the “connectivity gap” that currently deters many Saudis – who now have to rely on indirect routes via Dubai or London. By championing direct links to Porto and Faro instead of only focusing on capitals, they aim to unlock substantial new flows of high‑spending Middle Eastern visitors.
For Porto, direct flights would open up the city’s historic center, riverside ambience, Port‑wine heritage, and access to nearby medieval towns to Saudi culture‑seekers. Local tourism bodies expect increased demand for luxury river cruises, heritage tours and premium accommodations – and are even preparing Arabic‑language services and halal‑friendly hospitality to meet anticipated demand.
Meanwhile, Faro stands to benefit by positioning itself as a luxury beach destination in the sun‑soaked south. Nonstop access to Faro International Airport could turn Algarve’s resorts, golf courses, yacht marinas, villas and spa retreats into major draws for families and wellness‑focused travellers from Riyadh.
This shift could reshape Portugal’s tourism economy. Direct flights are projected to boost arrivals by 30–50%, mirroring the success of other Middle East–Europe routes. The influx of high‑spend tourists could stimulate growth across hospitality, luxury retail, cultural attractions, and leisure infrastructure – including potential upgrades in airport terminals and premium services tailored for Middle Eastern travellers.
Moreover, with Portugal’s expected participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh, the timing seems ideal. The event could act as a launchpad for bilateral tourism promotion, creating long-term interest and establishing Portugal – especially Porto and Faro – as perennial favourites for Saudi holidaymakers.
In short, this proposed new connectivity marks more than just a flight route – it represents a strategic effort to draw on Saudi Arabia’s travel demand, transform Portuguese tourism dynamics, and open new cultural and economic bridges between the two regions.
