Tourism In Madeira Is At Risk, Says Livre
Uncontrolled mass tourism poses significant risks to the quality of Madeira as a tourist destination and public safety, according to Livre's candidacy for the Regional Elections on May 26th. The party highlights the chronic problem of mobility and safety on the island's roads, particularly those leading to popular tourist attractions like Pico do Arieiro.
Let us be very clear. What is happening on our roads, with abusive and uncontrolled parking, is a serious risk to public safety. Our duty is first to ensure the safety of our residents and our tourists, on whom the region currently depends.
Livre - Diário de NotÃcias da Madeira
Politicians Speak Of First Hand Experience
During a visit to Pico do Areeiro today, candidate members experienced firsthand the traffic congestion plaguing the area. This incident underscored their concerns about the regional government's ability to manage the increasing number of visitors. Livre accuses the government of mishandling the situation.
Livre Calls For Improving Public Transportation
Livre argues that promoting and accepting more mass tourism projects is "inadmissible" given the current state of traffic chaos in the mountains. They assert that none of the existing problems have been adequately addressed. To tackle these issues, Livre proposes improving public transportation on the island. Their plan includes catering to both locals and tourists, with a particular focus on the main levadas and recommended trails.
Madeira Needs A System That Manages Tourist Flow
The candidacy emphasizes the need for a comprehensive system to manage tourist flow, suggesting inspections at access points, continuous monitoring during visits, and permanent oversight to ensure safety. Livre stresses that the current situation of "abusive and uncontrolled parking" on Madeira's roads is a serious public safety risk. They insist that the primary duty is to ensure the safety of both residents and tourists, upon whom the region's economy heavily depends.
What Exactly Is A System That Manages Tourist Flow?
Just like Livre, PAN Madeira has previously called for a system that manages tourist flow. But what exactly is meant by this and how can tourism be handled wisely? Here are a few examples of what a tourist flow management system in Madeira could look like:
Demand-based pricing
Accommodation prices could fluctuate based on seasonality and real-time tourist numbers. This could encourage off-peak travel and spread visitors throughout the year, reducing congestion during peak times.
Zone management
Popular areas could be divided into zones with designated entry points. Tickets or permits could be required to enter during peak hours, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors.
Smart infrastructure
Sensors and data collection points could be used to track tourist movement in real-time. This data could be used to inform visitors about less crowded areas, optimize public transportation routes, and manage resource allocation effectively. A smart infrastructure could be implemented through a mobile app.
Promoting lesser-known destinations
Campaigns could highlight the beauty and unique offerings of lesser-known attractions in Madeira. This would encourage visitors to explore beyond the usual hotspots and distribute the economic benefits more widely.
Reservation systems for natural attractions
For popular natural attractions like hiking trails or viewpoints, a reservation system could be implemented to limit the number of visitors at a time, protecting the environment and ensuring everyone has a chance to experience the beauty without overcrowding.
Source: Diário de NotÃcias da Madeira
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