Miguel Castro, leader of Chega na Madeira, considers that tourism in the Region is heading towards an out of control situation and warns of the risk of losing quality standards. Through a statement released by the party, the head of the list for the Regional Elections on May 26th says he looks with concern at the strategy that has been followed in recent years by the Regional Government.
For the president of Chega-Madeira, the Regional Government, in general, and the Regional Secretariat for Tourism and Culture, in particular, “are insisting on a strategy that is not only damaging the international image of Madeira as a destination of excellence, but also contributing to the overcrowding of certain tourist attractions, to the creation of environmental imbalances and to the loss of quality of life for those who live in the Region”.
“The government’s only priority is to fill, at all costs, the hotels of the economic groups with which it is associated, without thinking properly about the impact that the increase in tourist flow is having on Madeiran society, the job market and the environment environment. The greed of generating profits for certain businesspeople has replaced the consideration, common sense and strategic sense that should guide the government’s attitude, especially in a sector that is fundamental to the lives of Madeirans”, can be read in the same note.
Miguel Castro also highlights that the lack of tourist planning is generating risks for Madeiran society and reducing the quality of life of those who live in the archipelago.
“There are two aspects that are evident. On the one hand, the need for labor is increasing the immigration of people who do not share our culture and customs, which, in turn, is already creating complicated situations from the point of view of housing, stability and security. security. On the other hand, although hotel groups are getting rich, many of their workers continue to face precariousness and low wages.”
According to the leader of Chega, the biggest proof of the lack of intelligence with which the government has been managing the tourism sector is the lack of quality of life for many Madeirans who work in the hotel sector. Thus, Miguel Castro challenges the Regional Government to think about people and not just the commercial objectives of certain companies.
