Problem Case: Missing Trail Data

Unclaimed Business Profile and missing trails : Pontada Ferraria ( 6,139 reviews)

Location: São Jorge Island, Azores, Portugal

Challenge:

Several official and well-used hiking trails near Ponta da Ferraria and Lagoa do Fogo remain absent from Google Maps and Street View. Visitors relying on these platforms face incorrect navigation guidance, resulting in safety risks, poor visitor experience, and reduced visibility for one of the island’s most scenic coastal routes.

Current Situation:

Despite local tourism activity, no coordinated effort exists to update or verify the missing trail network. This lack of accurate map data limits digital discoverability and contributes to unmanaged visitor movement, which may lead to environmental and safety issues.

Lagoa do Fogo is surrounded by scenic hiking trails, but many remain missing or incomplete on Google Maps.

Impact:

The incomplete digital representation results in misdirected foot traffic, diminished trust in mapping tools, and missed opportunities for sustainable tourism growth on São Jorge Island.

Learning Point:

This case highlights the importance of proactive map data management for DMOs. Regular audits and verified updates, even for remote trails, are essential to ensure visitor safety, maintain visibility, and support sustainable visitor flows.

Adaptation Tip:

Clear ownership and responsibility must be established for maintaining trail data. Collaboration between DMOs, local authorities, and technical partners like Visible Tourism can help prevent data gaps and ensure accurate digital access to natural attractions.