Albufeira to review behaviour code after year of “fewer tourist excesses”

Albufeira’s controversial Code of Conduct, introduced a year ago to tackle “inappropriate” behaviour by tourists, appears to be having the desired effect, according to the municipality. However, local authorities now believe the regulations need adjusting and enforcement on the ground should be strengthened.

The code, which came into force on June 24 last year, introduced fines for a range of behaviours considered inappropriate in public spaces, including nudity and walking through town in swimwear away from beaches. It was introduced following a series of incidents that attracted international attention and fuelled concerns about the Algarve resort’s image.

Speaking to Lusa news agency on the first anniversary of the regulations, Albufeira mayor Rui Cristina said there had been “better behaviour” from visitors this year and fewer incidents of abuse.

“I think this year there has been better behaviour on the part of tourists, less abuse, and what we want is to raise awareness among those who visit us that this type of behaviour is not acceptable,” he said.

Cristina said the Municipal Police have been carrying out inspections and awareness campaigns have been conducted in hotels and commercial establishments to inform visitors about the rules.

While he confirmed that fines have already been issued under the code, he was unable to provide figures. The mayor acknowledged that further work is needed to ensure visitors understand the regulations and said the municipality plans to increase enforcement capacity.

Albufeira currently has just nine municipal police officers assigned to street patrol duties, but the force is expected to gain an additional five or six officers by the end of the year.

The municipality is also conducting a legal review of the Code of Conduct and may introduce amendments in the coming months.

“We are analysing the code from a legal perspective to make some changes in the short term and smooth out some rough edges,” the mayor said, adding that some revisions could come into force before the end of the summer.

Businesses call for rethink

Not everyone is convinced the regulations have struck the right balance.

The Albufeira Commercial Association (ACALB) said it remains opposed to the way the code was drafted and approved, arguing that the measures are overly punitive and rely too heavily on restrictions rather than education.

The association said it fully supports efforts to protect residents’ quality of life but warned against measures that could damage the municipality’s tourism appeal.

“There has to be common sense and balance. The day Albufeira loses tourism, the municipality loses its residents too,” the organisation said.

ACALB also criticised the approval process, arguing that insufficient analysis was carried out before the regulations were adopted. It questioned rules relating to dress, sporting activities and noise, claiming some provisions are subjective and difficult to enforce fairly.

The association pointed to noise restrictions as an example, arguing that some limits are unrealistic. “A rubbish collection truck passing in the street makes more noise than bars are allowed to make,” it said.

The group has also called for a review of operating hours restrictions affecting tourism-related businesses and urged policymakers to seek solutions that allow tourism and local communities to coexist harmoniously.

“The solution to these problems cannot be imposed by decree,” ACALB said. “We need measures that correct excessive behaviour without treating isolated incidents as the norm.”

Albufeira, which accounts for around half of the hotel capacity in the district of Faro, remains one of Portugal’s most important tourism destinations. The debate over its behaviour code highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing the needs of residents, businesses and the millions of visitors who arrive each year.

Source: Lusa