Estado Sentido

Albufera serves as a lamentable example — the local council has produced a laundry list of behavioural recommendations aimed at hooligan tourists, most of them British. One is almost tempted to laugh. Yet, since we seem to be in a no-nonsense mood regarding the Foreigners’ Law, let us address seriously — and firmly — the issue of violence and public disorder committed by foreign holidaymakers. Turismo de Portugal (the bureau in charge of tourism) bears a share of responsibility for the dramatic decline in the quality of the country’s tourism offering — you get what you pay for, after all. The grandiose notion of exponentially multiplying the number of flip-flop-wearing tourists, cobbled together in a slapdash fashion, has landed Portugal in the grip of an illusion of easy profit. A mob of drunken delinquents — pardon the bluntness — descends upon the country, tarnishing what Portugal still (emphasis on still) has left to offer. Let’s not dither. Let us address the politically and economically inconvenient truth head-on. Broke the law? Got violent? Shouted abuse? Showed contempt for the country and its people? Simple. A registry ought to be created for the wayward tourist, who, depending on the severity of the offence, may lose the right to enter national territory, as per a clear framework of sanctions. If those Cockneys and company are in search of trouble, they’re welcome to parade down the streets of Brighton or Liverpool, chanting in their indecipherable accents. Enough. No more. And no — this is not the rhetoric of any particular political party. It’s common sense. It’s decency. And yes — it’s a wound.

photo credits: Metro News