The report at issue is the debate on "the municipal management policy for the commerce and tourism sector in Lisbon and the current status of these areas of activity in the city." Two sessions were held in January, resulting in conclusions and recommendations addressed to the city council. The rapporteurs were Sofia Vala Rocha (PSD) and Pedro Roque Domingues (PS).
Among the 13 proposed recommendations, most of which were unanimously approved, is the idea of developing specific policies for the city's various territories, focusing on the parishes most affected by tourism and real estate pressure, as well as mitigating the negative impacts of tourism.
It is also recommended that inactive local accommodation licenses be cancelled for a more accurate assessment of the true size of the sector and its impact on the housing market. It also recommends implementing an integrated ticketing system for museums and monuments, accompanied by pre-defined visitor flows, optimizing the management of cultural resources and the visitor experience.
Another proposal is the creation of a Municipal Tourism Council to bring together the various stakeholders in the sector, including public entities, private operators, security forces, transportation companies, and parish councils, "with the aim of coordinating policies, anticipating problems, and ensuring an integrated approach."
With the PEV, PCP, and Livre parties voting against, the council was recommended to reinforce, with the government, "the urgency of building the new Luís de Camões Airport, without prejudice to the implementation of improvement works on existing infrastructure, ensuring the airport capacity necessary for the sustainable growth of tourism."
The council also calls for transparency in the use of the Municipal Tourist Tax; the implementation of the measures announced for commerce, including the revision of the Regulation for Historic Stores; the adoption of a commercial planning strategy in Lisbon, with a Municipal Commerce Charter that allows mapping the sector and defining appropriate policies; and the improvement of mobility and accessibility solutions and the strengthening of public transportation.
At this meeting, the deputies also approved a set of recommendations regarding Colina de Santana, resulting from a thematic debate held in March with two sessions.
One of the recommendations is that the city council "analyze the feasibility and relevance of proposing to the Government the classification of the Esfera Classroom as a Heritage Site of National Interest, recognizing its historical, scientific, and architectural value."
Other proposals include organizing guided tours and promoting the hospital, cultural, historical, and architectural heritage of Colina de Santana, and ensuring that a percentage of new housing developments in this area are earmarked for affordable housing, contributing to "mitigating the severe housing crisis, promoting social inclusion, and preventing gentrification in the area."
At this meeting, the assembly also approved a motion and a recommendation from the Socialist Party (PS) to strengthen the Lisbon Municipal Police, with an increase in staffing, and part of a Chega motion on the same topic, with the idea of reviewing the recruitment regime for officers.
The deputies also approved a PSD recommendation to end the irresponsible and inhumane proliferation of cat colonies in the city and two proposals from Chega: one for the redevelopment and security of the Quinta das Conchas and Lilases parks and the other for the implementation of the Detailed Plan for the Area Surrounding the Benfica Market.
Lisbon is a city for tourists, not a city for it's residents. Too many TukTuks, AirBnBs, and souvenir shops in the areas in and around the historic neighbourhoods. It used to be such a joy to live in these areas, but has become suffocating and unenjoyable due to the sheer number of people and the increased traffic.
By Chris from Lisbon on 31 Jul 2025, 06:35
I find Lisbon has become a depressing city to visit. Way too many outlets selling repeat Portuguese souvenirs which are essentially chinese 'tourist tat'. Where are the old bespoke shops? TukTuks are a real blight on every street. Lisbon used to be a 'time warp' type of capital and it was all the better for it.
By Steve from Algarve on 31 Jul 2025, 10:55
Nothing regarding tourist behavior?
By j from Algarve on 31 Jul 2025, 11:42
Explore central Portugal and the silver coast and fluvial lakes. Portugal has so much more to offer than Porto Lisbon and Algarve
By E from Beiras on 01 Aug 2025, 08:46