The Regional Directorate of Tourism, through the Directorate of Services for Tourist Enterprises and Activities (DSEAT), is investigating a situation recently verified in the arrivals area of Madeira International Airport.
According to reliable sources, an individual was detected presenting a poster offering a rental apartment and, on the back of it, an advertisement for car rental. “It was thus an activity to promote and practice these activities outside the legal parameters,” the source warned.
Once the person behind this illegal advertisement is identified, DSEAT inspectors will look into the matter. Meanwhile, the Regional Secretariat has notified the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) about the incident so they can also investigate and take appropriate action regarding the unlicensed car and apartment rental activity.
A letter to the IMT reads, “This situation represents not only a violation of the legislation applicable to the transport and mobility sector, but also unfair competition against duly licensed companies, in addition to compromising the safety of users.”
The Regional Authority for Economic Activities (ARAE) was called upon to exercise its supervisory powers regarding potential illegal activities, such as unlicensed tourist rentals or misleading advertising. Given the high visibility and tourist influx of the location in question, swift action by ARAE agents is crucial to ensure legal compliance and protect consumer rights.
The tutelage stresses that the DRT/DSEAT remains attentive to situations that jeopardise the quality and safety of the services provided and of the entire sector.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
Photo: JM
