We are hoping to travel to Portugal this year but are worried that the European Debt Crisis and possible Portuguese austerity measures may affect travel. We are specifically worried about national or local governments closing or reducing hours for museums, parks, historic monuments, public transportation, etc. Has any one any information on such issues in Portugal or other European Countries?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Andrea, I haven't heard anything at all about austerity measures impacting tourist sights in Portugal. My suggestion would be to carry on as planned. I doubt that the authorities would cut back on things that would affect tourism, as a reduction in tourist money would be counter productive. Happy travels!
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
"...I doubt that the authorities would cut back on things that would affect tourism..." Why wouldn't they? Austerity, generally means nothing is spared; cuts across the entire spectrum. Funding for the arts which gets filtered down to museums and other cultural activities that can attract tourists, usually get hit hard during budget cuts. I'm not saying anyone should rearrange their travel plans, but reduced hours for museums, higher hotel taxes, and increased fares for public transport are certainly very real possibilities.
Posted by
St Augustine, Florida, USA
1 posts
I am traveling there Jan 31, for one week, I will report back here. I will be mostly in Lisboa.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
It could affect smaller sights and off-season hours for sure. But the main tourist sites during the main seasons are unlikely to be affected. More likely is that staff will be cut back and have their pay and benefits reduced. That could affect how helpful and friendly they are. There have been strikes and worker shut downs and maybe some transit will be reduced. But you cannot really plan for that and so just go with the flow. European cities cannot function without public transit so I wouldn't worry about that.