We share an article by Filipa Fernandes who has published an thesis on this mater and now shares her opinion about a possible management model for the walks in Madeira.

We believe this debate should be held between all stakeholders, from the walkers through to the guides, travel agencies, the water company, the private land owners and of course the local government.

Your thoughts and opinions are welcome.

Turismo de Portugal published on 17 April 2014 some statistical data regarding the first two months of tourism accommodation in Madeira.

Driving the 15,7% accumulated total revenue growth during January and February 2014 is the increased hotel occupation as well as the slightly better ARR which are being achieved by hotels.

UK and Germany remain the largest markets to Madeira, with the UK showing the largest quantitative growth (17,2% growth generating 208,3 K bed nights) which Sweden shows the largest % growth of 71% to 37,8 K bed nights.

The strategy to maintain and retain this growth when competing destinations return to an acceptable security level is no doubt a key challenge Madeira as a destination must address as well as promotion and air flight capacity over the winter season.

Source of data: Turismo de Portugal

The Chamber of Economists - Madeira Delegation, led by the President of the Secretariat Eduardo Jesus out together, once again a fantastic event to generate discussion and debate about tourism in Madeira

In recognition of the event´s quality and relevance, not only is the event sponsored by the Portuguese Presidency, but also manages to attract an exceptional list of national and international speakers as well as the Secretary of Tourism, António Mesquita Nunes.

Presentations and videos can be accessed on-line from the "Ordem dos Economistas - Delgação Regional da Madeira" for this VIII conference as well as previous conferences and events.

Some of Madeira´s businesses, which are viable enterprises, create and maintain a substantial number of local jobs are at risk of closing or declaring bankruptcy (some already have) mostly due to the lack of capacity to finance themselves through local and national banks.

The core business area which we would like to initiate is tourism, namely hotels which have an asset associated to them although we are also looking into agriculture.

Madeira, also as part of Portugal, is currently in the news also due to its financial burdens, but there still remain fantastic opportunities. Tourism is one of Madeira´s (and Portugal´s) opportunities to bounce out of the crisis as the reason why tourists visit Madeira are unchanged: fantastic welcoming people, great all year weather, great views, gardens, culture and gastronomy! 

Viable business opportunities which are stagnating due to the lack of access to finance are now available through direct negotiation and/or through the banks and the bankruptcy administrators at attractive prices.

Investment in tourism also maintains and generates jobs in the local economy which in turn generates local cashflow.

Agriculture is still highly subsidised. New agricultural explorations, through acquisition or renting of agricultural property, investors can receive up to 85% subsidies for the acquisition of equipment and infrastructure. Madeira today imports a variety of food which can be produced locally at a competitive rate,with the local government assisting with market analysis to identify products which are in highest demand.

There are opportunities to invest in these viable opportunities, either directly in existing companies as shareholders  or through a vehicle.

The vehicle (fund or holding company where investors participate in) will have its own board and management will be secured through "ZINO Consultadoria" (with selected independent and certified partners to assist with accounting, audit, tax and legal support as well as specialised industry specialist). The board will submit opportunities for approval to shareholders and manage participation in approved investments accordingly to maximise return to investors.

The vehicle will also maximise the remaining tax benefits, both for the vehicle itself as for its (overseas) investors in Portugal through Madeira´s International Business Centre.

We are calling on investors, including Madeira´s diaspora to consider these opportunities in their homeland and let us know if you are interested through the contact form below, as well as if you can share you expert knowledge from your experience outside Madeira in your successful enterprises.

We will keep all contacts in strict confidence and keep all interested parties informed through e-mail.

Promotion, offer, availability, distribution, price, convenience of flight times ... what are your thoughts on why the UK Market is under performing compared to previous years, when the UK Market itself continues to travel?

UK Market Research and analysis for Madeira available here.

We look forward to your opinions.