Former Regional Government President, Alberto João Jardim, has criticized the tourism strategy advocated by Regional Secretary Eduardo Jesus. Jesus proposed a phase of consolidating tourism growth, focusing on value creation rather than a significant increase in visitor numbers.
Jardim questioned Madeira's reliance on the tourism sector and warned of the social and environmental consequences of the current model. He contested the notion of a "plateau" in overnight stays, arguing that tourism's evolution should not be solely measured by economic indicators. The former official emphasized that tourism development must consider its impact on residents, territory, and the environment, criticizing efforts to attract new markets and increase tourist pressure.
