Yesterday, the 8th of July, was a historic moment for the islands tourist industry as the toboggans operated by Carreiros do Monte were again operating, and like many other activities has adopted several health and safety measures for its operatives.
Initially, to ensure the safety of the ‘drivers’ the toboggans will only be available in July to visitors from organised groups or those being guided by official tour operators. If all goes well, the service should return to ‘normal’ in August.
Armando Vieira, President of the Associação dos Carreiros do Monte, confirmed that the new health and safety measures include the use of masks throughout the trip by the drivers, the use of hand sanitisers, and the cleaning and disinfection of the toboggans after every trip. Although not mandatory, all customers will be asked to wear a mask as recommended by the DGS (Directorate-General for Health).
Concluding he said that although the current economic situation is bad, in line with everyone else they will be working hard to create a better future.
More positive news came from the Teleférico da Madeira who resumed operations on the 7th of July. Like other businesses, the cable car will be operating a reduced service as numbers have fallen from a daily pre-covid figure of 1500 – 2000 visitors to just 150.
A spokesperson for Teleférico da Madeira, João Guerreiro, confirmed in a interview with local newspapers that their newly adopted working practices include the compulsory use of face masks for all employees and travellers, the cleaning of each cable car at the end of its trip and the increased use of hand sanitisers by staff.
Finally, he said that the resumption of the cable car service shows that “Madeira is on the move and telling the world that the island is here as a tourist destination.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
