Portugal as an investment destination: insights from Jordi Vilanova

Source: CCPC

We spoke with Jordi Vilanova, President of Mercan Properties in Portugal, what continues to make Portugal an attractive destination for international investment, the trends shaping the hospitality sector, and the wider economic and regional impact of international investment.

Jordi also shares his perspective on the role of the Canada-Portugal Chamber of Commerce in strengthening transatlantic business ties and fostering greater collaboration, investment and long-term growth across both markets.

In your view, what are the key factors that continue to make Portugal such an attractive destination for international investors?

Portugal continues to distinguish itself through a unique combination of political stability, legal certainty, European Union membership, and an exceptional quality of life. It offers investors access to the European market while maintaining a competitive business environment, a highly qualified workforce, and modern infrastructure.

From our perspective at Mercan, another important differentiator is Portugal's ability to attract global talent and international visitors year after year. Tourism has become one of the country's strongest economic pillars, supported by a consistent government commitment to infrastructure, connectivity, sustainability, and destination promotion.

Beyond the numbers, investors are increasingly looking for markets where economic fundamentals are matched by long-term social and political stability. Portugal continues to deliver on both fronts, making it an ideal destination for long-term investment in hospitality, real estate, and tourism-related infrastructure.

What trends do you believe will shape the future of hotel development in the coming years?

Hospitality is evolving beyond simply providing accommodation. Hotels are increasingly becoming integrated mixed-use destinations that combine lodging, branded residences, wellness, gastronomy, co-working, and authentic local experiences.

We also see several structural trends shaping the industry:

• Increasing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient developments.
• Greater use of technology and artificial intelligence to enhance both operational efficiency and guest experience.
• Continued growth of branded hotel residences, offering investors professionally managed real estate backed by internationally recognized brands.
• Strong demand for experiential travel, where visitors seek culture, gastronomy, nature and personalized experiences rather than traditional tourism.

Portugal is exceptionally well positioned to benefit from these trends because it offers authenticity, safety, excellent climate, outstanding hospitality professionals, and globally recognized hotel brands operating throughout the country.

Among Mercan's more than 30 projects in Portugal, is there one you consider particularly representative of the long-term economic and tourism impact?

Rather than highlighting a single development, I believe the true impact comes from the collective contribution of Mercan's portfolio across Portugal.

Over the past decade, we have developed more than 30 hospitality projects, many located in urban regeneration areas or destinations with significant tourism potential. Together, these projects have attracted thousands of international investors, generated billions of euros in economic activity, created thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and contributed to expanding Portugal's high-quality hotel offering.

One example that illustrates this vision is our Origine Porto Gaia hotel, which transformed a former industrial site into a premium hospitality destination while contributing to the revitalization of Vila Nova de Gaia. Similar stories can be found throughout our portfolio, where hospitality investment serves not only tourism but also urban renewal, employment, and long-term regional development.

Our objective has never been simply to build hotels. It has been to create sustainable hospitality assets that generate lasting value for investors, local communities, and Portugal's economy.

What do you consider to be the role of an organization such as the CPCC in supporting and strengthening large-scale transatlantic investments?

Organizations such as the Canada-Portugal Chamber of Commerce play a fundamental role in building confidence between markets.

Large international investments depend not only on capital but also on trusted relationships, institutional credibility, and the ability to connect businesses, governments, and investors. The CPCC provides exactly that platform by facilitating dialogue, promoting bilateral trade and investment, sharing knowledge, and helping companies navigate opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.

As a Canadian company that has invested extensively in Portugal, Mercan has experienced first-hand the value of strong institutional partnerships. The Chamber helps reinforce the long-term relationship between Canada and Portugal and contributes to positioning both countries as strategic partners for investment, innovation, and economic growth.

As these economic ties continue to deepen, organizations like the CPCC will become even more important in fostering collaboration, attracting investment, and creating opportunities that benefit businesses and communities in both countries.