March 1 marked a significant day for the Local Accommodation sector.
Entrepreneurs, workers, and property owners from across the country rallied to voice their concerns about the measures presented by the government within the framework of the "Mais Habitação" (More Housing) program, highlighting the severe effects it may bring and threatening the future of Local Accommodation.
The crowd gathered in front of FIL (International Fair of Lisbon) on the first day of the Lisbon Tourism Exchange, demonstrating that the sector is united and frustrated, making it clear that "Killing local accommodation is killing tourism." Currently, Local Accommodation represents 42% of tourist overnight stays in Portugal.
Carla Reis, the driving force behind the protest, emphasized that the main purpose of the gathering was to show faces and appeal to common sense and negotiation: "We took to the streets to show who we are, what we do, hoping the government would hear us and call us to the table." She argues that anyone wanting to regulate local accommodation should listen to those working in the field and understand the impact of the proposed measures.
Another crucial point is that the local accommodation sector provides employment for thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on it. Ending local accommodation would also condemn all services intrinsically linked to it, such as laundries, carpenters, painters, plumbers, photographers, and more. Eduardo Miranda, president of the Portuguese Association of Local Accommodation (ALEP), who was also present at the protest, emphasized this point. He stated that local accommodation cannot be a scapegoat for addressing housing problems: "This is a spontaneous demonstration to show that these measures, completely disproportionate, do not only kill local accommodation. They kill tourism. But more than local accommodation or tourism, they kill these people. People who have rebuilt their lives, investing in local accommodation. People who have created jobs throughout the country. Local accommodation is not only Lisbon."
Here are some statistics shared by the protesters:
- Over 55,000 families directly depend on local accommodation.
- Over 10,000 micro and small businesses are dedicated to managing local accommodation.
- About 45,000 individual business owners are involved in local accommodation.
The outcome of this mobilization was positive, with the message reaching various media outlets and government officials, including President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who expressed his willingness to listen and understand the protesters' perspective, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between the interests of local accommodation and the need for housing.
Several political leaders were also present, sharing their views. Cristóvão Norte, a deputy and president of PSD Algarve, believes these measures will put local accommodation at risk, potentially affecting thousands of businesses in the Algarve. André Ventura, leader of the Chega party, states that there is an "unacceptable violation of property rights and investment freedoms." Rui Rocha, president of Iniciativa Liberal, believes the government is sending the message that "in Portugal, it is not worth taking risks, working, or making an effort."
Now, a careful analysis of the proposed plan is expected, and the government should take the time to think, listen, and meet with those working in the sector. It's crucial not to forget the positive impact local accommodation has brought and continues to bring to Portugal, contributing to its reputation as a world-renowned tourist destination. Those who invested in revitalizing and energizing the sector, creating businesses from scratch and employing dozens of people, should not be unfairly treated.
Local accommodation cannot die, and together, we will be stronger!
Photos: Jorge Van Hall
Sources: Alojamento Local - Esclarecimentos, Diário de Notícias
3th March 2023