Does international press coverage threaten tourism?

Lisbon is on everyone's lips, and not for the best reasons. All over the globe, media outlets have headlined the tragic accident involving the Elevador da Glória, one of the hallmarks of Portugal's capital. The BBC , the New York Times , El País , El Mundo , Le Figaro , The Guardian, CNN , and Folha de São Paulo... many have highlighted the tragic event, whose impact on tourism—particularly in the capital—and the national economy is now unknown.

At Nascer do SOL , Vítor Costa, general director of the Lisbon Tourism Association (ATL), recalled that the Elevador da Glória «is one of the symbols of Lisbon and a point of interest much sought after by those who visit us» and estimated that «the great impact that this accident has already had on the international media will produce very negative effects in the short term» .

Vítor Costa lamented the accident, expressing "solidarity with the victims and their families, offering his heartfelt condolences and wishes for a speedy recovery" , but said he hoped that any negative impacts could be quickly overcome.

Moreover, several tourism and restaurant industry leaders expressed their dismay and solidarity with this tragic outcome.

The Portuguese Tourism Confederation said it was with "sadness and consternation" that it learned of the accident. "In this time of profound grief, we express our most sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims, and our solidarity with all those affected by this terrible incident," it told Nascer do SOL , adding a word of appreciation to "all the entities involved in the rescue and support of the victims."

AHRESP expressed its "deep regret for the human losses, offering its sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured", adding its "recognition to the rescue teams that acted promptly on site and its solidarity with all those who were directly or indirectly affected by this serious incident" .

For AHRESP, "it is imperative to thoroughly determine the causes of this accident. Only by identifying what went wrong will it be possible to implement the necessary corrections and prevent similar situations from happening again, ensuring that Lisbon continues to be a safe place for those who live and visit it."

Turismo de Portugal also sent its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to all those who, directly or indirectly, suffer from this loss, as well as its solidarity in the recovery of all those injured , expressing its recognition and appreciation for all the entities involved in helping and supporting the victims and accompanying the city of Lisbon in this difficult time of mourning .

It should be remembered that, in 2024, the Lisbon Region reached a historic milestone by exceeding, for the first time, 21 million overnight stays in tourist accommodation, having consolidated itself as the main tourist destination in Portugal.

According to data from the National Statistics Institute, the Lisbon Region recorded a total of 21,014,900 overnight stays, a 4% increase compared to 2023. This figure represents 26.2% of national tourist demand.