Tourism in a peripheral territory in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area

Abstract

This chapter strives to contribute to the understanding of tourism in a peripheral territory in light of the trends of New Urban Tourism. It takes the Lisbon Metropolitan Area as a case study, more specifically, the old part of Almada, a city separated from Lisbon by the Tagus estuary, that is receiving more tourists as a consequence of the overwhelming increase in tourism to the capital. Based on a multi-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques, the research seeks to understand how visitors experience the territory as a tourist attraction, as well as the concerns and expectations felt by locals. Results show that the area is essentially a niche market for visitors that want to experience it with an attitude of discovery. Although most of the visitors express their enjoyment, there are some criticisms of the lack of information and overall maintenance. While the local population underlines the positive aspects of tourism and sees this activity as an opportunity, it also shows apprehension about its socio-spatial impact.