Lisbon intends to lessen the potential disadvantages brought about by tourism
In a unanimous decision, the Lisbon Municipal Assembly has approved a comprehensive policy for commerce and tourism, aiming to mitigate the negative effects of tourism on housing and mobility, and improve the management of tourist flows and cultural resources.
The policy, presented by rapporteurs Sofia Vala Rocha (PSD) and Pedro Roque Domingues (PS), includes 13 key recommendations. One of the main focuses is the development of specific policies for different territories in the city, particularly parishes heavily affected by tourism and real estate pressure.
To objectively assess the impact of the local accommodation sector on the housing market, the report suggests canceling inactive local accommodation licenses. Another innovative recommendation is the implementation of an integrated ticketing system for museums and monuments, accompanied by pre-defined visitor flows to optimize management.
Regarding Colina de Santana, the deputies approved a set of recommendations following a thematic debate held in March with two sessions. Proposals include organizing guided tours and promoting the hospital, cultural, historical, and architectural heritage of the area.
The policy also highlights the need for a Municipal Tourism Council to coordinate policies, anticipate problems, and ensure an integrated approach. A percentage of new housing developments in this area should be earmarked for affordable housing.
One recommendation is to analyze the feasibility and relevance of proposing to the Government the classification of the Esfera Classroom as a Heritage Site of National Interest. Another notable proposal is the urgency of building the new Luís de Camões Airport with the government.
The report also addresses the issue of cat colonies in the city, recommending an end to their irresponsible and inhumane proliferation. The policy strategy focuses on managing tourism's spatial impacts, regulating accommodation licenses tightly, and enhancing cultural asset management.
The implementation of these recommendations depends on the city council's adoption and continued regulatory enforcement by municipal authorities. The dynamic commercial real estate and tourism sectors in Lisbon underline the continued need for balanced municipal policies to regulate growth sustainably while supporting tourism and commerce.
Restrictions on new Alojamento Local (AL, or local accommodation) licenses in much of Lisbon’s city center have already been implemented, with new AL holiday homes banned in 19 neighborhoods and eight parishes to reduce oversaturation and housing pressure, particularly in historic downtown areas. Municipal regulations now empower oversight of AL to municipal authorities, allowing designation of containment and sustainable growth areas, with reassessment every three years.
The policy debate underscores the Lisbon Municipal Assembly's commitment to creating a balanced and sustainable tourism and commerce environment in the city.
- The policy aims to develop specific real estate policies for parishes heavily affected by tourism, recognizing the need for a portion of new housing developments in these areas to be earmarked for affordable housing.
- To optimize the management of museums and monuments, an integrated ticketing system is recommended, along with pre-defined visitor flows to accommodate tourism growth without overwhelming the housing market.
- The Municipal Tourism Council is proposed to coordinate policies, anticipate problems, and ensure an integrated approach in the financing and managing of tourism, with a focus on sustainable development in the real estate market of Lisbon.
