Too many people everywhere, queues lasting hours in some places, many tourist attractions completely blocked by Tuk Tuks, noise, bad manners…

 

“Pseudo Guides” shouting inside places of worship, with total disrespect for others…

 

Our tourism is changing and not for the better, we are losing our unique identity…

 

Local shops are being replaced by “souvenir shops” of dubious use and origin, and all with the same products…

 

Restaurants presenting menus that have nothing typical or local about them, and some advertising dishes as local or typical that have nothing to do with Portuguese cuisine…

 

People “rushing” to try to get a photo like the one they saw from an Instagram “influencer”…

 

In my opinion, this is not the tourism we are interested in…

 

When I am on a tour outside Lisbon and Sintra, the reaction of the customers is spectacular, for the “surprise” of being in truly authentic places with tourist attractions, restaurants, and truly local shops….

 

It’s an experience that pleases everyone, the customers, me, and also the locals.

 

It would be a good idea to promote the good things we have throughout the country, and at the same time develop local economies…

 

 

Vitor Pais.

07/06/2025