The candidacy of the Unitary Democratic Coalition (CDU) for the Funchal City Council warned of the impacts “of touristification” in the Madeiran capital.
In a press statement, Paula Almeida, candidate nominated by the Ecologist Party ‘The Greens’, highlighted that, although tourism is an essential part of the regional economy, its uncontrolled growth has generated negative consequences in several areas.
The main problems identified by the candidate include rising carbon emissions, pressure on native forests and the coast, eviction of tenants to make way for tourist accommodation, rising housing prices, and the rising cost of living. In addition, the candidate draws attention to the impacts of overtourism, which include inappropriate behaviour, destruction of the Laurissilva, and overcrowding of public spaces, directly affecting the daily lives of residents.
Paula Almeida emphasises the importance of taking measures to mitigate these issues. The candidate proposed several solutions, such as regulating the entry of tourists and cruises, strengthening compliance with legislation in hotel construction, creating stricter rules for local accommodation and rent-a-car, increasing surveillance in forests and levadas, and including residents in the process of defining tourism policies.
The candidate also suggests that more demanding tourism promotion campaigns could contribute to attracting more sustainable and responsible tourism.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
