A popular holiday destination is about to sting tourists with a new charge — for hiking.
From next year, Madeira in Portugal, will be slapping a fee on tourists who want to explore its most popular hiking trails as the island moves towards sustainable tourism. The charge will set you back €3 (£2.50) for all non-residents over the age of 12 and is already in place on Madeira’s most popular trails — Pico do Areeiro, Pico Ruivo, Levada do Risco, Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Balcões, Levada do Rei and Ponta de São Lourenço.
According to Rafaela Fernandes, the country’s regional secretary of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, all profits from the fee will be used to maintain the trials as well as put towards cleaning and preservation efforts.
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From January 1, the fee will then roll onto over 30 trials, which are managed by Madeira’s Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation, and those who do not pay will face a fine of up to €50 (£41.59). The new move comes as Madeira is experiencing an increased number of tourists that are visiting, especially during the hiking season.
Last year, the archipelago just off the northwest coast of Africa saw over two million visitors, with its hiking trails being one of the main attractions. Madiera is full of mountains, green forests and beautiful waterfalls, which makes it an ideal location for those who would like an unforgettable hiking experience.
The area provides hiking trails for all abilities, with varying lengths. The Vereda dos Balcões is one of the shortest routes, at just 1.5km, while the Funchal – São Vicente – Porto Moniz – Calheta trail is the longest, clocking in at nearly 135 km, reports the Express.
The surge in visitors has put a strain on the country’s natural habitats due to increased pollution and litter. With this new fee, the nation aims to control hiker traffic while preserving its natural beauty.
Local authorities have also initiated an awareness campaign to educate visitors about the hiking charge and its purpose, which Rafaela Fernandes says has been well received by tourists. This would be the latest edition to a number of tourist fees now operating across Europe. One of the more well-known fees on tourists, is the tax introduced for day trippers in Venice, Italy.
Those who enter Venice just for the day have to pay a €5 (£4.16) access fee, between April and July. The fee rises to €10 (£8.32) if travellers book less than four days in advance. The only was holidaymakers can avoid the fee is by staying overnight. However, there is still a tourist tax included in the price of stays in the city.
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