The various forms of tourism in Lisbon are important drivers of growth, jobs and economic development. They contribute to the understanding of other peoples’ identities and values. However, although tourism by its nature invites cross border regional and local cooperation, its full innovation potential in this respect is yet not fully explored. The level of tourism between certain sites is still unbalanced, with deprived remote, peripheral or deindustrialised areas lagging behind, whereas high demand areas being overexploited in an unsustainable manner. Moreover, there is a knowledge gap in terms of availability of quantitative and qualitative data on the phenomenon of tourism and on understanding its contribution towards economic and social development.

Extreme load on urban space caused by tourism can lead to social disruption, distrust and lack of empathy, diminished civic capacity, social tension, clashes, crime and conflict, as explained by Doxey’s Irridex. We’re identifying a challenge to produce a solid knowledge base on how tourism and accompanying behaviours effect the social fabric, bonds and cohesion of our city. A better, more operational understanding of why, when and how tourism lead to societal polarisation is needed.

Promoting social inclusion, cohesion and resilience in the urban environment by linking imagination, research, policies and planning practices we wish to promote an alternative, equitable contribution to the current stagnation within the tourism sector. This activity is directly aimed at supporting the development and implementation of a sustainable mind set within the tourism sector which is supporting various groups of stakeholders. It is dedicated to make tourism more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. An informative/interactive way to gain multiple perspectives from various stakeholders.