Those holidaying in Albufeira, Portugal, this summer should be well aware of the brand new Code of Conduct that officially came into place on June 24.
The new measures, approved by the Albufeira Municipal Assembly earlier this month, introduce a wide range of fines for behaviours, mostly from tourists in the area, that are deemed inappropriate in certain public areas. Ahead of the fines coming into place, the local council agreed to install clear signs throughout the town advertising the rules, acting as a warning to any new visitors in the area.
Introducing these changes is a part of a much wider push to attempt to protect the municipality’s reputation. Not only this, but it aims to maintain its appeal as one of the Algarve’s most visited destinations for tourists, including families and not just young Brits partying.
By doing this, it will help to manage any expectations of tourists and give them the chance to receive a warning before receiving an immediate and unexpected fine. Albufeira mayor José Carlos said:“People have to start changing their mindset and behaviour. Our goal is to prevent these issues and not have to act after they have happened,” Portugal resident reports.
The DR-published document states: “It is urgent to establish measures that will allow us to effectively deal with the adoption of abusive behaviour, especially by those who seek the municipality of Albufeira as a tourist destination. The measures are of a ‘preventive nature’ in order to prevent the practice of acts that, ‘by their nature, may cause undesirable damage to the resident population and the image of the municipality as a tourist destination.’
One of the key fines is for wearing a bikini or swimsuit outside authorised areas, resulting in a charge of €300-€1,500. This also includes fines for drinking alcoholic beverages and urinating or defecating in public spaces.
Other fines will be issued to those found camping in any unauthorised areas and spending the night on public roads as well as those seen spitting, with charges starting at €150 and going up to €750. In more extreme cases, members of the public taking part in or simulating sexual acts or practising public nudity will be fined €500 to €1,800.
Albufeira’s code of conduct had been in the pipeline for years, but its implementation was pushed by local authorities after several severe cases of “excessive behaviour” last year. The rule makers have called upon local businesses in the area to help inform tourists and enforce these changes, especially those working within the nightlife scene.
As for other travel advice tourists should follow when it comes to Portugal, Brits should consider getting appropriate travel insurance, as advised by the Gov.uk website. This type of insurance should cover all aspects of your trip, including your itinerary, planned activities and any expenses needed in an emergency.
The government is also advising holidaymakers before travelling to Portugal to be aware of terrorism, as there is a high threat globally affecting UK interests and British nationals. It states: “Terrorist attacks in Portugal cannot be ruled out,” and advises that all visitors from the UK should “stay aware of your surroundings at all times.”