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Perceptions about Tourism and Tourists in Historic Neighborhoods: The Case of Alfama

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  • Arlindo Madeira

    (TRIE—Centro de Investigação Transdisciplinar para o Empreendedorismo & Inovação Ecossistémica, ESCAD, School of Science and Administration, 1950-396 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Teresa Palrão

    (Tourism Department, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
    CiTUR, Estoril Higher Institute for Tourism and Hotel Studies, 2769-510 Estoril, Portugal)

  • Alexandra Sofia Mendes

    (CiTUR, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520–614 Peniche, Portugal)

  • Ernesto López-Morales

    (Centro de Estudio del Conflicto y la Cohesión Social (COES), Departamento de Urbanismo, Universidad de Chile, 8320000 Santiago de Chile, Chile)

Abstract

Tourism makes destinations adapt to receive those who visit them, with a great impact among traditional residents. Overtourism affects picturesque places, and these areas end up losing their authenticity, submitting themselves to the consumption needs of tourists. Neighborhoods’ traditional residents also see their routine completely changed due to the different habits of tourists, and displacement rates rise. This study aims to understand how local people perceive tourism in Alfama, one of the most unique and tourist-oriented neighborhoods of Lisbon. Our study involves a questionnaire to old long-term residents and content analysis of their responses. We used Leximancer software to create categories of analysis depending on frequency of mentions and the way themes are related. Our interviewees testified that overtourism in Alfama generates perceptions that range from a generalized acceptance for the benefits that an improved safety associated to an increased street-life and a cleaner neighborhood generate, and on the other hand the grievance for the loss of a pre-existing community. We also conclude that the benefits of tourist-led gentrification are relevant for the gentrification analysis because they show the contradictions that the remaining residential community experience as tourist-led gentrification unfolds.

Suggested Citation

  • Arlindo Madeira & Teresa Palrão & Alexandra Sofia Mendes & Ernesto López-Morales, 2021. "Perceptions about Tourism and Tourists in Historic Neighborhoods: The Case of Alfama," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:15:p:8357-:d:602155
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Anabela V. Simões, 2023. "Street Art in Aveiro: City Walls as Dialogic Spaces of Collective Memories and Identity," Societies, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-20, February.
    3. Inês Carvalho & Arlindo Madeira & Anabela Monteiro & Sofia Lopes & Teresa Palrão, 2023. "Fado, urban popular song, and intangible heritage: perceptions of authenticity and emotions in TripAdvisor reviews," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-11, December.

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