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Tourism · Funchal · 19 July 2026

Liberal Initiative warns of drop in Madeira golf demand

The IL expresses concern over Madeira's golf sector, warning of a 15.3% drop in rounds played between January and May 2026.

Liberal Initiative warns of drop in Madeira golf demand

The Liberal Initiative (IL) has expressed concern over the performance of Madeira's golf sector, warning of a significant decline in demand during the first five months of 2026. The party has called on the Regional Government to reassess its strategy for this important tourism market.

Between January and May, the total number of rounds played on the Region's golf courses fell from 44,876 to 37,998, a decline of 15.3% compared to the same period in 2025. The drop was even more pronounced among international golfers, with rounds falling by 21.7%.

Although total revenue from golf course operations rose by around 3.9%, the party argues this growth should not distract from the underlying fall in demand, questioning the sustainability of price increases as a growth driver.

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