Madeira's Regional Government President, Miguel Albuquerque, emphasized the significance of tourism, which accounts for over 30% of the island's GDP, calling it a "decisive sector for our future".
Speaking at the presentation of the Tourism Merit Medals, Albuquerque celebrated the "best tourism results ever in Madeira" in December 2025, while also stressing the need for reflection and addressing new challenges.
The regional leader advocated for continuous improvement of the "tourism product and service," calling for increased investment and determination from industry stakeholders. Albuquerque noted that enhancing the tourist destination is not incompatible with the interests of the resident population.
