Portugal’s Clean & Safe Initiative: A Step Towards Safe Tourism

Portugal’s tourist board has created a “Clean & Safe” stamp for hotels, restaurants, and tourism-related businesses. This initiative underscores their commitment to increased safety and hygiene measures aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other infections.

Launched at the end of April, this scheme sought to restore public confidence in the tourism sector as Portugal began to ease its lockdown restrictions. In line with the Clean & Safe initiative, the national health authority developed online training programs and requirements for businesses. These include:

• Enhanced cleaning protocols
• Temperature screenings
• Provision of personal protective equipment for all visitors

While the specific measures can vary depending on the type of business, they all aim to ensure the safety of both staff and customers. This new seal of approval is free and valid for one year. Once awarded, businesses can promote it as a digital badge on their online platforms or as a physical sticker in their establishments. Moreover, compliant businesses will undergo random audits in the months following their approval to verify the maintenance of these standards.

A spokesperson for the tourism board confirmed that as of May 11, 3430 businesses have adopted this initiative, including hotels, tourism entertainment agents, and travel agencies.

“With this measure, the national tourist authority aims to inform companies about the minimum hygiene requirements and cleaning measures essential for the safety of various establishments,” stated Turismo de Portugal. Furthermore, the initiative promotes Portugal as a safe destination by implementing measures to prevent the spread of the virus through coordinated actions that will soon extend to other sectors.

In addition, the airport authority is collaborating with the tourism board to ensure a safe journey for passengers. This includes:

• Temperature scanning at major airports including Lisbon, Faro, Madeira, and Ponta Delgada
• Contactless check-in
• Sanitising equipment with sensor technology
• Recommendations for facial masks and other protective equipment for staff and travelers
• Improved air renewal systems in terminals

With the state of emergency lifted on May 2 after six weeks of lockdown, Portugal is gradually reopening. Some businesses have resumed operations, and cafés, restaurants, and bars are expected to open on May 18 under new social distancing rules. Notably, hotels in regions like the Algarve are planning openings for June and July.

However, international flights carrying tourists remain suspended for now. The tourism industry is optimistic that the revival of domestic tourism will help compensate for the decline in overseas visitors. Consequently, these measures aim to instill confidence in travelers and promote Portugal as a safe destination.