Economy minister rejects 'over‑tourism' claim
Manuel Castro Almeida, the Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, told visitors at the BTL travel fair that Portugal is not suffering from excess tourism or an unhealthy dependence on the sector, though he acknowledged occasional saturation in Lisbon and Porto. He said policy should focus on growing tourism value rather than simply increasing visitor numbers. Residents in the main city centres should still expect peak‑season crowding, and people working in hospitality or short‑term rentals may see the debate shape future rules.
Manuel Castro Almeida is Portugal's Minister of Economy and Social Cohesion, a role cited in the article. On 17 February in Sobral de Monte Agraço he said over 4,000 companies had requested storm support totaling nearly €1 billion, figures tied to recent severe weather damage.
BTL is the Bolsa de Turismo de Lisboa (Bolsa de Turismo de Lisboa), an annual tourism trade fair in Lisbon where industry professionals, regional promoters and public officials meet to promote destinations and policies. It matters because discussions and deals at BTL can shape how Portugal markets tourism and how policymakers address sector growth and pressures.
