Tourism in Portugal at the beginning of the Second World War – an innocent oasis in Europe, or the achievements of disguised propaganda

This article discusses the importance of tourism-based representations as an effective vehicle of hidden propaganda for strengthening and validating the Estado Novo dictatorship in Portugal, particularly within the context of the outbreak of the Second World War. As more and more areas fell under the auspices of the official bu reau of propaganda, it proves worthwhile to acknowledge how tourism narratives became relevant tools for disseminating the features of the new politial regime. In fact, these seemed particularly effective devices for displaying the new “Nation” both to nationals and to foreign guests. The former group were to recognize the uniqueness and singularity of Portugal through the display of allegedly national icons, while the latter goup was invited to recognize and advocate the neutralty confirmed by Antonio de Oliveira Salazar, the ruling president, in September 1939