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What is the aim of the new rates and reservations model?
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The model aims to control carrying capacity, improve the management of visitor flows, enhance safety, and improve the quality of the tourist experience, while simultaneously ensuring environmental sustainability and operational predictability.
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What changes in the management of carrying capacity?
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The carrying capacity is now allocated in 30-minute slots, staggering visitor presence throughout the day, from sunrise to sunset, thereby avoiding peak concentrations.
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Is the booking still made through the SIMplifica platform?
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Yes. SIMplifica remains the single platform for booking and access control. Prior registration of all visitors is now mandatory, regardless of age or status.
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What rates apply in 2026? |
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The applicable rates are duly published in ANNEX I of Ordinance No. 801/2025.
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Do residents of the Autonomous Region of Madeira have to pay a rate? |
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No. Access is free of charge for residents of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, but requires mandatory registration and booking due to carrying capacity control.
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How does the pre-booking system work for operators with a protocol?
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- Up to 30 days in advance:
o Pre-booking is possible without issuing an invoice
o Adjustments and cancellations can be made without penalty
- On the 30th day before the activity:
o An invoice is automatically issued based on confirmed reservations
o Between the 29th day and the day of use of the walking routes (PR), the corresponding invoice is issued automatically.
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What is the payment deadline for invoiced reservations? |
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- For reservations confirmed on the 30th day – Payment must be made up to 48 hours before the date of use. A 28-day credit period is granted.
- For reservations made between the 29th day and the date of the activity – Payment must be made within 7 days.
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What happens if the operator fails to pay within the deadline? |
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Failure to pay results in the automatic cancellation of the reservations. In repeated cases, this may lead to the suspension of the protocol, with the loss of the associated preferential conditions.
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Is it possible to change the number of participants after the invoice has been issued? |
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Once the invoice has been issued, the number of participants cannot be changed.
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What happens if a group is cancelled because the minimum number of participants is not met? |
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Cancellations made after the invoice has been issued give rise to a credit, provided they result from a decision by the IFCN.
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Are refunds or rescheduling available? |
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Yes, exclusively when the restriction is determined by the IFCN (e.g. safety reasons, closure, environmental risk). In such cases, rescheduling is ensured, subject to availability, or a full refund is granted.
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What should be done when a route with confirmed bookings is closed? |
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Reschedule the route via the SIMplifica platform and request a refund from the IFCN.
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Is it possible to make a reservation for the following day? |
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Yes, through the SIMplifica platform.
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When do these rules come into force? |
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The model is due to be launched on 1 January 2026. Technical changes to the platform are currently in the testing phase, and the sector will be informed prior to full operational implementation.
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Is there a direct contact line to the IFCN to resolve unexpected problems? |
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Yes, via the following contacts: Phone: +351 291 145 590 | Email:
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