Madeira is taking a significant step toward more sustainable management of its natural assets by updating the pricing and access system for hiking trails across the region. The new model, developed by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation together with the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Environment and Culture, is based on scientific research carried out with the University of Madeira. This research reassessed the carrying capacity of all classified walking routes, ensuring that visitor numbers better reflect the environmental sensitivity of each trail.

A key innovation of the system is the introduction of staggered visitor access throughout the day. Trail capacity will be distributed in 30-minute intervals from sunrise to sunset, reducing congestion at peak times and limiting pressure on fragile ecosystems. All visitors will be required to register in advance through the SIMplifica platform, regardless of age, strengthening data collection, planning and on-site management.

The model introduces three user categories. Tour operators with an official protocol with the IFCN will continue to pay a reduced fee of three euros per visitor and will be able to pre-book up to 30 days in advance, with payment required no later than 48 hours before use. Visitors booking independently, as well as operators without a protocol, will pay a standard fee of 4.5 euros per person at the time of booking.

Special arrangements apply to PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro, one of Madeira’s most iconic hiking routes. Following its reopening in April 2026 after extensive works, differentiated pricing will apply, with lower fees for visitors using protocol operators and higher costs for the general public. The system also includes clear rules for rescheduling and refunds when access is restricted due to conservation or safety considerations.

For European tourism more broadly, Madeira’s approach offers an important example of how destinations can manage nature-based tourism responsibly. By leveraging data, capacity planning, and differentiated pricing, the region is moving away from uncontrolled access toward a model that prioritises ecosystem protection, visitor safety, and high-quality experiences. As demand for hiking, outdoor activities, and nature tourism continues to grow across Europe, these management tools are becoming increasingly relevant to sustainable destination development.

More information is available via the IFCN website:
https://lnkd.in/e7Psx-tB

#Sustainable Tourism  #Responsible Travel #Sustainable destinations #Low-impact tourism • #Community-based tourism