Digital Platform Oversees Cruise Fee Collection
A new €2 fee for cruise ship passengers disembarking in Funchal came into effect on January 1. The process is managed through a digital platform, Janela Única Logística, which tracks all movements and operations for each vessel. According to Paulo Acabaso, this system has already recorded €50,000 in revenue during its first two days, reflecting an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 passengers.
Record Numbers in 2024 Drive Revenue Growth
Funchal's cruise traffic set new records in 2024, with over 700,000 passengers arriving at the port, surpassing the 624,000 recorded in 2023. The port also saw more than 300 ship stops compared to 279 the previous year. These increases have positively impacted the region's finances, with expectations for 2025 remaining optimistic.
€1.4 Rillion Revenue Shared Between Port Administration and Municipality
For every €2 fee collected, the Regional Port Administration of Madeira (PRAM) receives a 2.5% share for its services, with the remaining revenue allocated to the municipality of Funchal. Cristina Pedra of Funchal’s City Council anticipates an annual income of €1.4 million, surpassing the initial budget projection of €1.2 million, based on 600,000 passengers. Pedra emphasized that the revenue benefits the city, which serves as the primary destination for most cruise visitors.
Parallels with Other Port Cities
Similar to practices in other European port cities, Funchal introduced this tourist fee to support municipal infrastructure and services catering to the influx of visitors. Despite the port serving the entire Madeira region, Pedra reiterated that the tax revenue remains exclusive to Funchal, arguing that visitors inevitably spend time in the city.
Source: RTP Madeira
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