Lisboa: A Safe and Competitive Tourist Destination in Europe

Lisboa stands out as a safe, competitive, and reference tourist destination in Europe, thanks to a combination of factors such as security, hospitality, modern infrastructures, and international recognition. However, it faces challenges related to sustainability and pressure on urban infrastructures, requiring strategic management and continuous investment to maintain and reinforce its prominent position in the European tourist panorama.

Portugal, and Lisboa in particular, are internationally recognized as safe tourist destinations. Internal security and the absence of external threats are determining factors for Portugal's positioning as one of the most competitive tourist destinations in the world, with security being one of the main reasons for choice among international tourists.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the "Clean & Safe" seal was created by Turismo de Portugal, I.P., certifying companies and tourist spaces regarding the adoption of hygiene and health safety measures. This seal reinforced the confidence of tourists, employees, and the general population, being adopted by more than 22,000 companies, including hotels, local accommodation, restaurants, museums, airports, among others.

Lisboa is distinguished by its hospitality, tolerance, and mild climate, factors that contribute to the perception of security and well-being among visitors. The city has good accessibility, modern infrastructures, and quality services, which facilitate mobility and quick response to emergency situations, being recognized as one of the main European tourist destinations, ranking at the top of international rankings, reinforcing its image as a safe and quality destination.

The significant increase in tourism in Lisboa puts additional pressure on urban space, infrastructures, and public equipment, requiring more cleaning, security reinforcement, maintenance of public space, and urban organization. The risk of overcrowding can compromise sustainability and the perception of security, if adequate measures are not taken.

The growth of tourism can lead to the early degradation of infrastructures and public spaces, if there is no effective management of tourist flows and associated environmental and social impacts. The financial effort required to maintain high standards of security and quality in public services is significant, justifying the creation of municipal tourist taxes to finance these needs.

Lisboa is one of the main European tourist destinations, competing directly with cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Istanbul. Its reputation for security, combined with the quality of the tourist offer, places it in a privileged position to attract tourists from strategic markets such as the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Benelux, and Scandinavia.

Security is one of the factors that most contributes to Portugal's competitiveness in the tourism sector, with Lisboa being the main gateway and showcase of the country. The international recognition of the city as a safe destination reinforces its attractiveness and ability to attract international events, business tourism, and leisure. Lisboa integrates into a national strategy of sustainable, innovative, and safe tourism, with monitoring mechanisms and articulation between public and private entities, allowing a coordinated response to emerging challenges and the maintenance of high security standards.

Thus, Lisboa has consolidated itself as a brand of excellence in the international tourism panorama, standing out not only for its security but also for its hospitality, quality of infrastructures, and capacity for innovation. The international recognition of Lisboa as a safe and attractive destination is the result of a consistent strategy, which combines the enhancement of heritage, the bet on sustainability, and the effective response to contemporary challenges of the sector. This merit results from the joint effort of public and private entities, which have been able to position Lisboa as a European and world reference, reinforcing its reputation and competitiveness and projecting the city as a destination of choice for tourists, investors, and organizers of major international events.