More policing, new code of conduct and awareness campaigns among measures being implemented in Albufeira
Albufeira has announced that concrete action is being taken to control the cases of “excessive behaviour” that have marred the town’s image for years, from an increase in policing and the previously-announced creation of a Code of Conduct to the launch of awareness campaigns.
Portugal’s Minister of Internal Administration, Margarida Blasco, visited Albufeira’s busiest nightlife spots – namely its downtown and Oura areas – on Friday to witness first-hand why the town is in need of action.
In a statement to the press, local mayor José Carlos Rolo says he is taking a firm stance in “defending Albufeira’s good image,” with the local council working on multiple fronts to “discipline public behaviour”. The goal is to “restore Albufeira’s good image,” says Rolo, for the good of both residents and tourists.
While many of the cases of the so-called “excessive behaviour” in Albufeira have been attributed to groups of British tourists during stag and hen parties, the latest of which acted as a final straw for local authorities, Rolo says he refuses to “let the actions of a few” define any particular country or tourist market.
Nonetheless, the council has outlined seven major initiatives that are underway to keep tourists’ behaviour in check in the municipality:
- A behavioural awareness campaign using street advertising, posters, brochures, and “other materials.”
- A promotional campaign focused on Albufeira being carried out in partnership with the IPDT – Turismo company.
- The installation of 70 CCTV surveillance cameras.
- Increased surveillance in the Oura area and town centre, involving the Albufeira Volunteer Firefighters Association, the Portuguese Red Cross, GNR Police, Municipal Civil Protection Service, and Municipal Police, along with other law enforcement agencies.
- New Code of Conduct, due to be completed by end of this summer.
- The review of a project amending the Municipal Noise Regulation.
- A proposal to revise the Municipal Regulations for the Operation of Businesses will be presented at Tuesday’s municipal council meeting.
According to the local council, more members of law enforcement authorities are already patrolling the streets of Albufeira in order to provide a “quicker and more effective response to any problems that may arise, be it during the day or at night.”
“The negative image of Albufeira needs to change very soon, and I will not tolerate any disrespect towards our work, the leisure of our tourists, or the efforts of all those living in Albufeira, regardless of their place of birth or social condition,” José Carlos Rolo states.
The mayor of Albufeira has also called on the British Consulate to “implement campaigns and actions in Albufeira similar to those in other countries, aiming to ensure greater safety, comfort, and satisfaction for all tourists from the three British countries, who are also bothered by the generalisation of a negative image” of their nationality, even though “Albufeira’s relations with the entire United Kingdom have always been, throughout many years of history, very cordial and mutually admiring.”
Meanwhile, Albufeira is also working on installing better public lighting, “especially in coastal areas,” as well as offering more rubbish bins and hiring more street cleaning staff. Noise inspections are also being carried out in certain streets.
