Cash Payments Ruled Out, As Tourists Report Lack of Mobile Connectivity on Hiking Trails
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Environment and Culture, Eduardo Jesus, defended Madeira’s new paid-access system for popular walking trails during a televised interview on RTP Madeira toda, saying that selling access with cash is not doable and that it would require cash register, change and handling of money in isolated areas, which he described as unworkable. He added that many visitors already pay by card or mobile phone in their home countries and should expect the same approach in Madeira.
Look, it is not feasible to sell access using cash. That would require having cash registers - cash in the literal sense - with change and coins to facilitate payments. That cannot be done; it is not workable.
Eduardo Jesus, RTP Madeira
The discussion focused on early problems reported by tourists and tour operators, from mobile network coverage to working conditions for staff stationed at trail entrances.
The interview followed the first days of implementation of a system that limits access by time slots and requires payment, often verified through QR codes at entry points.
Access Fees Fixed at €3 for Operators and €4.50 for Other Visitors
Eduardo Jesus explained that the pricing model is already defined. “For tourism operators it is three euros; for non-operators it is four and a half euros,” he said. Tourism operators must have a signed protocol with the Institute for Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) to qualify for the lower rate.
He said IFCN sent protocols to all operators, but some had not yet returned the signed documents. According to the Secretary, this did not stop the system from operating and the issue was resolved by the end of the same day through administrative steps using the Simplifica platform and operators’ taxpayer numbers.
Eduardo Jesus Says System Functioned From Day One Despite Complaints
The Secretary described the first days of the system as broadly positive, while acknowledging reported difficulties. “Things started working on day one,” he said, adding that messages from users helped identify areas that need correction.
Many of the complaints came from tourists who arrived without prior information, often travelling alone in rental cars, and encountered problems paying or understanding the new access rules.
Mobile Network Gaps Affect Card Terminals at Trail Entrances
Tourists interviewed by RTP Madeira pointed to weak mobile network coverage in some remote locations. Eduardo Jesus confirmed that signal strength varies and can change depending on the site.
He said card terminals at trail entrances were tested in areas staffed by forest rangers or nature wardens. The devices both scan QR codes and collect entry fees on site, but only when time-slot capacity is available. “That is only possible if there is network coverage,” he said, adding that cooperation with telecom operators is required to secure more stable connections.
More Than 1,200 Tourism Companies Received Operating Rules to Inform Tourists
According to the Secretary, the regional government carried out a wide information effort before the launch. Operating rules were sent to more than 1,200 companies and professionals across the tourism sector, including car rental firms.
Even so, he acknowledged that information does not always reach tourists who organise trips independently. He said all parts of the sector share responsibility for passing on the new rules to visitors.
Working Conditions for Forest Guards Draw Public Attention
The interview also addressed concerns about the working conditions of forest guards and wardens stationed at trail entrances for long periods. Viewers noted the lack of shelters in some locations.
Eduardo Jesus said there has been significant investment in renovating forest stations, providing modern facilities for staff. However, he accepted that trail entrances were designed for a different period and said future plans include organising these areas as natural parks of tourist interest, with better conditions for workers.
What happens today is that in bad weather situations—this even happened today at one of the sites—when it was raining too heavily, they took shelter in the vehicle at their disposal to protect themselves from the weather.
Eduardo Jesus, RTP Madeira
Heavy Rain Leaves Staff Using Vehicles as Temporary Shelter
Until further changes are made, staff continue to face exposure to weather conditions. Eduardo Jesus said that during periods of heavy rain, including earlier that day at one site, guards took shelter in service vehicles nearby.
“There is still a lot to be done,” he said, adding that the new access model should provide the means to carry out further measures over time.
Source: RTP Madeira
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