The Liberal Initiative (IL) has expressed concern regarding the state of degradation of tourist infrastructure and spaces in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The party warns of the risk that the island may compromise the quality of its main economic activity, tourism, at a time when signs of slowing demand and reduced bookings are emerging.
According to reports received by the IL, there is a lack of maintenance in hiking trails, forest areas, viewpoints, and picnic spots, as well as insufficient access and safety conditions on popular routes and tourist points. The proliferation of dead pine trees in Porto Santo is also highlighted as an issue affecting the region's image and raising environmental and safety concerns.
The IL criticizes the contrast between the revenue collected from tourist usage fees, justified by the need for investment in preservation and maintenance, and the visible degradation of the offer. Gonçalo Maia Camelo, an IL deputy in the ALRAM, questions the use of these funds, suggesting that revenues may be used for the Regional Government's current expenses instead of promised investments.
The party considers it particularly worrying that these problems occur during a period of cooling tourism demand. The IL advocates for the Regional Government to invest tourist fee revenues transparently and effectively in improving facilities and services, ensuring the quality and competitiveness of Madeira as a destination.
