Paper short abstract:

This work aims to analyse the transformations that occurred in the Alfama District, Lisbon, following the development of tourism. Some effects of tourism development in local ambiances, and in particular, the role of heritage and marketing for the perpetuation of local imaginaries, will be analysed.

Paper long abstract:

This work aims to examine how tourism contributes to the processes of transformation and co-production of places. It will highlight the effects of tourism in the city of Lisbon, particularly, in the Alfama district.

Today tourism industry contributes to changes in urban spaces, with new elements of urban regeneration emerging, with emphasis on the role of local communities. In recent years, the Bairro de Alfama has lost residents in favor of tourism and, consequently, and in the face of several factors, has gained 'new residents', the tourists, seeking local experiences.

Based on ethnographic research, this work has as main goal to address some effects of tourism development in local ambiances, and in particular, the role of heritage and marketing for the perpetuation of local imaginaries, will be analysed. It will be studied the processes of construction of narratives and tourist discourses, as well as the role of heritage in its relation with urban regeneration. The main actors in the (re) construction of imaginary processes will be taken into consideration.