Tourism is an important sector in Madeira's economy since it contributes 20% to the region's GDP, providing support throughout the year for commercial, transport and other activities and constituting a significant market for local products. The share in Gross Value Added (GVA) of hotels and restaurants (9%) also highlights this phenomenon.
According to the Madeira Port
Authority (APM) the port of Funchal had a 10% increase in the number of
visiting cruise ships in the first five months of 2011. That’s 17.7% more
passengers as compared to 2010.
In ten years (January 1, 2002 – December 31, 2012) the Port of Funchal received more than four million tourists, which
amounts to an average of 400 thousand tourists a year.
The island of Porto Santo, with its 9 km long beach and its climate, is entirely devoted to
tourism. Over the past decade it has recorded a substantial increase in its
hotel accommodation capacity.
Development in Madeira is
considered to have future potential since the necessary infrastructure has been
established and adequate investment incentives have been introduced for expanding
its hotel and catering structure in a controlled manner. Nature conservation is
seen as important because it is a major draw for tourists to Madeira.
Visitors are mainly from the European Union,
with German, British, Scandinavian and Portuguese tourists providing the main
contingents.
