In a statement, the Portuguese Hotel, Restaurant and Similar Association (AHRESP) is against the creation of a tourist tax applied by several municipalities, considering that there is "evidence" that shows that "these bring more costs than benefits to the local economy".

However, given that "this is an increasingly unavoidable reality" both in Portugal and in other countries, the association advocates "a tax management model that includes representatives of economic agents, with decision-making power over the investment of revenues, prioritising the general improvement of the quality of life of residents", with a view to ensuring "responsible, sustainable and regenerative" tourism.

Therefore, "if a tax exists, it should be applied not only to investments that improve the tourist attractiveness of the destination, but also to projects that benefit the local population, following a trend of regenerative tourism, through investments for example in public lighting, urban cleaning, transport, or public safety, effectively contributing to the well-being of the local community and also of those who visit us", it maintains.

AHRESP also stresses that tourism "has enormous potential to be a positive force for the transformation of communities" and guarantees that it is "aware" of the "impact" that it has on certain destinations.