Perhaps it is adversity that brings out creativity, or perhaps it is just being Portuguese to like to integrate ideas from different cultures. The sheer variety of tourist transportation illustrates how a young enterprising generation, amidst financial crisis in the country, injects new vitality into Lisbon.

About two-and-a-half years ago, two brothers, with no experience in the tourism area, decided to get into the business of showcasing the city of Lisbon to tourists with a difference. Marrying Tuk Tuks from Thailand with high-tech, eco-friendly, 100% electric-powered engines, ECOtuk was successfully launched in May 2013.

Lisbon is a city full of slopes and narrow streets. To be able to zip through these streets in a quiet, smoke-free and odorless Ecotuk is a blessing. Ecotuk’s fleet has been modified to provide a full panoramic view as passenger rides on them. Another advantage traveling on Ecotuk is that it can bring passengers to places where no other vehicles can reach, such as the narrow alleys in Alfama and the doorstep of St. George’s Castle. The fleet of 6 Ecotuk is available for MICE group bookings and would be a unique experience for the guests. Ecotuk’s success has spawned other new operators and they cooperate with each other to cater to bigger MICE groups.  For more information, visit: www.ecotuktours.com

Go-car, a modified 3-wheeled scooter for two persons, lets tourists drive and discover Lisbon on their own. Lisbon’s cobbled-stone roads promise a bumpy but exciting ride. Of course the operator does not let tourist run free and a staff on bike guides the way. There is also audio commentary as you drive. This would be an interesting experience for MICE groups, and perhaps the Go-car itinerary can be modified for team building purpose. However, MICE organisers and those who wished to drive the Go-car ought to exercise their own judgement and care because the operator does not bother to check driving licence and the “training” lasted no more than 10-15 minutes. Drivers also need to fight for space alongside normal cars, trams and buses. For more information, visit: www.gocartours.com

There is also the Beetle tour of Lisbon. Self-drive or chauffeured by experienced drivers, this mode of transport is perhaps strictly for the fans of the original Volkswagen Beetle because, apart from the novelty of traveling in this classic car, there is nothing special about the tour or the experience. Nevertheless, this is another example of the Portuguese’ enterprising spirit as, apart from owning a fleet of about nine Beetles, the operator also works with individual car owners who are willing to rent out their Beetle for this purpose. For more information, visit: www.lisbonbybeetle.com