The historic city of Tomar, Portugal, recorded a strong surge in tourism in 2024, with nearly 200,000 visitors exploring its network of museums and monuments. The city welcomed 195,540 entries across its municipal cultural sites, reflecting a 7% increase from 2023. This growth comes despite the absence of the Festa dos Tabuleiros, a major quadrennial event that had previously contributed to higher tourist numbers. The rising interest affirms Tomar’s growing reputation as a vibrant cultural destination.
The data, which excludes visits to the separately managed UNESCO World Heritage-listed Convent of Christ, points to sustained momentum in local tourism. In 2023, the Convent alone attracted over 311,000 visitors, and it is expected that 2024’s figure will exceed that total. The surge in visitation demonstrates both the enduring appeal of Tomar’s historical significance and the increasing effectiveness of its tourism initiatives.
Domestic travelers made up the majority of visitors, accounting for 57.5% of total entries, or just over 112,000 people. International arrivals comprised 42.5%, with the United States emerging as the top source market, representing more than a fifth of foreign tourists. Spain, France, and Brazil followed, reflecting strong interest from both European neighbors and Portuguese-speaking countries.
Among Tomar’s many attractions, the Synagogue stood out as the most visited, drawing nearly 48,000 guests, with international visitors accounting for over 60% of that total. The adjacent Synagogue Interpretive Center also performed well, welcoming over 27,000 visitors. The Chapel of Santa Iria ranked second, particularly popular among Portuguese tourists, while the Levada Cultural Complex—which includes multiple interpretive and heritage centers—accounted for over 40,000 visits, underscoring growing interest in Tomar’s broader cultural narrative.
These figures illustrate a city that is not only preserving its heritage but actively reimagining it for a global audience. As Tomar continues to expand its cultural footprint, it is positioning itself as one of Portugal’s most compelling destinations for both history enthusiasts and casual travelers alike.
