Comic Con Portugal 2024: A Record-Breaking Success and Economic Impact of €89.6 Million
Comic Con Portugal 2024: A Record-Breaking Success
Comic Con Portugal, the largest pop culture event in the Iberian Peninsula, celebrated another successful edition at Exponor, with record-breaking numbers and an impressive economic impact on the region. According to the BDO’s Economic Impact Study and a study carried out by ISAG-EBS CICET-FCVC, the event generated between €27.4 million and €46.4 million in direct economic impact for the region.
The 2024 edition of Comic Con Portugal saw a significant increase in attendance, with 155,234 participants over the four days, marking a 27.5 percent increase compared to 2022 and almost 10 percent compared to the pre-pandemic high in 2019. The event also set a new visitor record on the third day, making it the most successful edition to date.
With over 220 hours of content on 10 stages and more than 150 national and international brands participating, Comic Con Portugal offered a diverse and engaging experience for attendees. Major film and television studios like Sony Pictures Entertainment Iberia, Warner Bros. Portugal, and The Walt Disney Company showcased their content and brand activations, attracting fans with exclusive experiences.
In addition to entertainment, the event also had a significant economic impact on the region, generating between €53.4 million and €89.6 million for the country. The event attracted visitors from all over, with 88 percent stating that Comic Con Portugal was the main reason for their travel to the Porto Metropolitan Area.
Local authorities, including the Porto City Council, Matosinhos Town Hall, and Vila Nova de Gaia City Council, recognized the importance of events like Comic Con Portugal for boosting tourism and promoting the region internationally. The event not only provided a platform for pop culture enthusiasts but also contributed to the growth of the economy in Porto, Matosinhos, and Gaia.
Overall, Comic Con Portugal 2024 was hailed as a culturally significant and economically impactful event, celebrating its 10th anniversary with a unique experience for attendees and stakeholders. The event’s success highlights its role in driving tourism consumption and economic growth in the region, solidifying its position as a premier destination for pop culture enthusiasts.