Porto Santo island has been recognized by Expedia as the second island with the highest potential for tourism growth in 2026, included in the "2026 Island Hot List: The Next Wave of Trending Islands". This distinction, released by one of the world's largest travel platforms, highlights island destinations attracting significant interest from international travelers and reinforces the island's growing recognition in North American markets.
Expedia categorizes Porto Santo under "Best for Wellness & Relaxation," associating it with rest and well-being experiences. The inclusion on the list followed an 85% increase in flight searches on the platform compared to the previous year. Regional Secretary for Tourism, Eduardo Jesus, views the distinction as validation of the consistent work in promoting Madeira externally and establishing Porto Santo as a destination with its own identity.
According to Jesus, Porto Santo's attributes, such as authenticity, environmental quality, its renowned golden sandy beach, and preserved nature, align with new tourism demand trends. The Regional Secretariat for Tourism emphasizes that the list's promotion by Expedia is generating additional visibility in the United States and Canadian markets, considered strategic for regional tourism growth.
