Porto Santo, in Madeira, is curbing the expansion of new hotel units to prioritize the sustainability of the tourism sector, the island's main economic driver.
The municipality intends to promote the destination as a "refuge of the senses," warning that the island has limits and human pressure is a critical factor. Mayor Nuno Batista stated that "mass tourism will never be our option," preferring a model of organized and sustainable tourism.
Municipal projects worth 16 million euros have been approved, focusing on improving quality of life, heritage recovery, and environmental sustainability, with little new infrastructure construction. In 2025, Porto Santo recorded 134,731 guests in hotel units, with a strong preference for domestic tourism.
