Portugal has joined Spain and Greece in expressing concerns over mass tourism and its impact on local communities. The call comes amid a heatwave and increasing congestion in popular tourist areas.
Portugal’s Plea to UK Tourists
A community group in Portugal has become the latest European country to issue comments regarding a surge in tourism. The call comes from community organization QSintra, which has criticized the effects of mass tourism on local life and the environment. According to QSintra, the area has turned into a “congested amusement park,” leading to a decline in the quality of life for residents.
QSintra has made several demands to local authorities, including:
- Replacing mass tourism with quality tourism
- Protecting the environment
- Better planning for hotels and buildings
- Promoting permanent rentals
The organization emphasized that while tourism is important for Sintra, it should not come at the cost of the local landscape, culture, and daily life of residents.
Heatwave Adds to the Chaos
The situation is further complicated by a severe heatwave affecting the Iberian Peninsula. Temperatures in parts of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco are expected to reach the mid-40s this week. The UK Met Office has issued warnings, urging travelers to take extra precautions.
In Portugal, orange high-temperature warnings are in place for several districts, including Beja, Evora, and Portalegre. Yellow warnings cover the rest of mainland Portugal and Madeira. Authorities are likely to issue new alerts or update existing ones as weather conditions change.
Local Communities Demand Change
The call for UK tourists to reconsider their trips is part of a broader movement by local communities to address the negative impacts of mass tourism. QSintra has launched a manifesto and street protests to advocate for a shift towards quality tourism. The organization argues that Sintra has the potential to become a cultural center of great quality, focusing on areas like music, literature, cinema, and gastronomy.
QSintra also calls for a systematic survey of all major projects, including new hotels, property developments, and shopping centers, to assess their impact on the landscape, ecosystem, and residents’ lives.
