São Pedro do Sul recorded growth of 28.6% in the number of guests and 15.9% in overnight stays in the first half of 2026, compared to the same period in 2025, according to data from the National Statistics Institute. Between January and June, the municipality's tourist accommodation establishments received 30,390 guests, 6,758 more than in the first six months of 2025. Overnight stays also increased from 61,180 to 70,927, growth of 9,747.
The municipality of São Pedro do Sul led guest growth in the Viseu Dão Lafões region during this period. The evolution surpassed both the regional and national averages: while Viseu Dão Lafões grew 5.6% in guests and 7.4% in overnight stays, nationally the increase was only 2.1% in guests and 1.3% in overnight stays.
The council attributes the success to the growing attractiveness of the municipality as a tourist destination and to the work of valorization and promotion of the territory. The tourist offering is based on a combination of spa tourism, nature, heritage, culture, gastronomy and outdoor activities, seeking to attract different audiences and boost demand throughout the year.
The municipality also states that the increase in demand represents an opportunity for the local economy, benefiting the accommodation, restaurant, commerce and tourist entertainment sectors. The Municipality of São Pedro do Sul also highlights the contribution of tour operators, entrepreneurs and other local stakeholders to the quality of the offering and the municipality's hosting capacity.
