Lisbon continues to strengthen its position on the global tourism map after being honored in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards 2026, the highest-tier recognition granted by the world’s largest travel platform.
Unlike rankings based on expert panels, Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best” awards are determined from millions of real traveler reviews over a 12-month period, and are granted to less than 1% of top-rated destinations worldwide.
Lisbon’s continued presence on this list not only reflects high levels of international visitor satisfaction, but also signals that the city is entering a new phase of tourism maturity, where visitor experience, infrastructure quality, and service ecosystems meet international standards.
For investors, such signals often serve as key indicators of a sustainable growth cycle in tourism, hospitality, and serviced real estate.
From cultural destination to international tourism and events hub
Over the past decade, Lisbon has undergone a strong transformation—from a traditional cultural destination into a dynamic international tourism hub in Europe.
The city’s appeal comes from a combination of factors:
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Rich historical and architectural heritage
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Mild climate and high quality of life
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Strong transport connectivity with Europe and North America
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Rapidly growing tech and startup ecosystem
Alongside leisure tourism, Lisbon is emerging as a major destination for MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
An increasing number of multinational corporations, industry conferences, and tech events are choosing Lisbon due to its balance of:
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Modern event infrastructure
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More competitive costs compared to major Western European cities
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An increasingly international environment and improving service quality
The expansion of the MICE segment is particularly important for the hospitality sector. Unlike seasonal tourism, business travelers tend to stay longer, spend more, and generate year-round demand, creating a more stable revenue base for hotel projects in Lisbon.
Mercan Group launches hotel project in Lisbon
Recognizing Lisbon’s growth potential in tourism and services, Mercan Group has launched a new hotel project in the Portuguese capital, targeting the business and MICE segments.
Unlike leisure-focused developments, this model caters to year-round demand from business travelers, international professionals, and event attendees. According to hospitality industry reports, MICE travelers typically have higher spending levels and longer stays, enhancing the operational efficiency of hotel assets.
In recent years, Lisbon has become a rising hub for international conferences and events, driven by:
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Developed conference infrastructure
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A dynamic business environment
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A growing influx of international companies
A representative of Mercan Group stated:
“Lisbon is one of the most dynamic cities in Europe today. We see strong potential in the business and MICE segments as the city increasingly attracts international events and the global business community.”
Mercan’s expansion into Lisbon reflects its strategy of developing hospitality projects in destinations that combine tourism growth with business accommodation demand, while also contributing to the enhancement of Portugal’s tourism infrastructure.
Golden Visa fund investment model
Alongside hotel development, Mercan implements a fund-based investment model, allowing international investors to participate in the growth of Portugal’s tourism and hospitality sector through a professionally managed investment structure.
In this model, capital is allocated to high-potential hotel and tourism service projects, while development, construction, and operations are handled by experienced international hospitality management teams.
Following adjustments to the Portugal Golden Visa program, which removed direct real estate investment options, fund investment has become one of the primary pathways for international investors.
Eligible funds typically focus on long-term growth sectors of the economy, with tourism and hospitality considered strategic industries due to stable international visitor flows and rising service demand.
As Lisbon continues to attract both global travelers and international businesses, high-quality hotel developments are becoming an essential part of the city’s serviced real estate ecosystem.
Key information on Golden Visa fund investment:
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Minimum investment: €500,000
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Processing time: approximately 18 months
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Tax benefits: no global income tax for non-tax residents in Portugal
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Fund size: 121M EUR
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Target sectors: hotel development and tourism services in Portugal
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Minimum holding period: 6 years
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Return mechanism: fixed return based on fund structure
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Exit strategy: project-based buyback roadmap
This structure allows investors to combine financial investment goals with a long-term European residency strategy, while participating in the growth of one of Portugal’s most dynamic economic sectors.
When tourism experience becomes a national competitive advantage
The “Best of the Best” award by Tripadvisor shows that Lisbon attracts visitors not only for its historic charm or Mediterranean climate, but increasingly for its enhanced tourism experience quality.
The development of new hotel projects, along with international investment flows, is contributing to:
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Expanding high-end accommodation supply
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Meeting demand from business and MICE tourism
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Raising national tourism service standards
As the global tourism industry continues to recover and restructure, cities that successfully combine tourism experience, quality of life, and international business infrastructure will hold a long-term competitive advantage.
Lisbon is emerging as a prime example of this trend, where tourism growth is not only a service-sector story, but also a driver of new investment opportunities in hospitality and serviced real estate in Portugal.
