Impacts of Tourism in an Urban Community: The Case of Alfama

Abstract

Urban tourism has in the last 5 years grown expansively, especially in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean . Lisbon is no exception. In the last four years, there has been a major development in urban tourism, a trend that will certainly continue increasing thanks to being named the best ‘city break’ destination in 2017. Residents play a very crucial role in the development of cultural tourism. The literature indicates that when residents perceive tourism as beneficial there is a greater level of interaction between residents and visitors, and consequently loyalty to the destination. This article aims to analyze the level of interaction between tourists and residents and the extent to which this interaction will influence the residents’ perceptions regarding tourism’s social representation and community impacts. We chose Alfama for this case study because it is one of the most typical and historical neighborhoods of Lisbon and one of the most visited by tourists. We decided to use the following qualitative methods: direct observation, 24 residents’ interviews and one interview with a local association president. The results show a high level of interaction between visitors and residents, an ambiguous and contradictory social representation, and a positive perception of tourism impacts both economically, socioculturally and environmentally. Based on the results, we proposed some strategies directed to public powers, government and Lisbon City Council to adjust the city to these tourist demands in such a way that the destination remains different and authentic.