Adolfo Mesquita Nunes sees a direct link between the number of tourists visiting Portugal and the growth in property sales to foreigners.
The Secretary of State for Tourism believes that "tourism is one of the most virtuous ways of growing the property market” due to its role in attracting foreign investment.
The Nunes message is addressed to critics of mass tourism in Portugal, "Some speak of mass tourism, but the truth is that tourists are leaving their bodies here," said the Secretary of State at the Real Estate Fair currently on in Lisbon.
Nunes said that tourism’s role in attracting foreign investment and urban regeneration can not be overestimated. In the first nine months of 2014 foreign buyers accounted for 23% of property purchased in the country.
The government announced this week that foreign investment in Portugal through the Golden Visa programme has surpassed €1 billion with a total of 1,649 residence permits granted.
Adolfo Mesquita Nunes believes it is necessary to continue to communicate efficiently about the existing programmes to attract foreign investment into the country,
"Our recognition is greater than those of our competitors, but we have to keep our product as one of the most competitive."
