Restaurants in Lisbon accused of charging holidaymakers higher prices than locals - millions of tourists could be affected
A cheaper rate for locals may be transmitted 'in whispers'
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Restaurants in Lisbon are reportedly charging tourists higher prices in restaurants compared to what they charge the locals.
This could affect millions of holidaymakers as Lisbon received almost 6.5 million foreign guests in 2023, according to Statista.
A lower price for locals eating the same dishes is "transmitted verbally, in whispers or indicated on menus placed in inconspicuous or even hidden areas", according to a report by the Portuguese weekly newspaper Expresso.
Industry experts told the publication that charging different prices for food based on nationality is "completely illegal".
Lisbon, Portugal is a popular destination among holidaymakers
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Indeed, Portugal's AHRESP (Association of hotels, restaurants and similar industries of Portugal), said it was not aware that some restaurants have differing prices for tourists.
The association said that prices must be the same for all customers and displayed transparently.
Lisbon locals have recently hit back against what they consider to be overtourism in the Portuguese capital.
A campaign has been launched to ban tuk-tuk three-wheeler taxis often used by tourists.
Other locals are calling for the end of short-term Airbnb-style rental accommodation for tourists, with a petition receiving 9,000 signatures.
The capital city recently approved proposals to double the tourist tax, starting this month.
Tourists in the city will now need to pay €4 (£3.40) per person per night, up from €2 (£1.70). Taxes for those arriving by cruise will double from €1 (85p) to €2 (£1.69).
This garnered a mixed reaction from holidaymakers. One said: "Won't stop me from holidaying in Portugal. Wonderful country and people. Hopefully it'll keep the moaners away!"
However, another stated: "There are a lot of places in the world far cheaper, friendlier with hardly any tourist with some of the best views in the world with the exchange rate that will blow your mind."
Another said: "Don't they make enough money off us when we are there? No thanks, I'll go somewhere else."
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Lisbon received almost 6.5 million foreign guests in 2023
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Spain has recently ramped up anti-tourism protests over fears of too many holidaymakers.
Last month in Palma de Majorca, around 20,000 protesters took to the streets, holding posters targeting tourists in Britain and Germany.
One banner written in English read: "Take Back Your Drunks, Give Back Our Homes."
In bustling Barcelona, restaurant-goers were drenched with water pistols.
According to Spanish police, around 2,800 protesters gathered to demand a new economic model. This would see the number of tourists visiting every year drop.
Campaigners marched through tourist areas, with some holding signs reading "Barcelona is not for sale" and "Tourists go home".