Madeira Needs Mobile App To Manage Tourism, Says ACIF

ACIF Proposes Tourism App To Manage Visitor Flow

The Commercial and Industrial Association of Funchal (ACIF) has proposed the creation of a mobile application to manage visitor access and flow to the region's tourist attractions.

Madeira Is Not Prepared For Exponential Growth In Tourism

In a recent statement, the ACIF outlined its contributions to a new approach to tourism aimed at mitigating the consequences of Madeira's tourism boom. While acknowledging the archipelago's post-pandemic appeal, the association noted that the destination "was not effectively prepared for this exponential increase in the number of tourists, revealing signs of stress, particularly in high-traffic areas."

App Needed To Regulate Access And Protect Main Tourist Attractions

The ACIF is calling for "concrete measures to mitigate the constraints generated by the increase in visitors and to regulate access and conservation of the main tourist attractions." The association argues that recently announced measures, such as the creation of a parking area near Casa das Sorveiras and the introduction of public transport links between Funchal and Pico do Areeiro, while well-intentioned, will not be sufficient without restrictions on private vehicle access.

In this app, it should be possible to consult the expected occupancy rate of the main recommended routes throughout the day, with a real-time report of the flow of people who are on the most visited routes at the same time, and in cases of large affluence, , suggest alternative routes or points of interest, thus contributing to the regulation and reduction of pressure. Likewise, by implementing car parks allocated to the main routes, information on timetables, capacity, occupancy and prices charged can be integrated.

ACIF, quoted on Diário de Notícias da Madeira

App Will Offer Real-Time Data And Infos To Tourists

To address these issues, the ACIF advocates for a system that provides information to tourists, businesses, and residents about public transport schedules, shuttle services, and licensed tour operators. The proposed app would offer real-time data on the occupancy of popular trails, suggesting alternative routes when necessary. It would also provide information on parking facilities, including hours, capacity, and fees. By implementing such a system, the ACIF aims to regulate visitor flow, reduce pressure on popular tourist sites, and enhance the overall visitor experience.

Source: Diário de Notícias da Madeira