The island destination of Madeira is leading the way as the golf-travel industry continues to recover from the impact of Covid-19, with a new survey revealing that more travelling golfers visited the Portuguese islands this summer than pre-pandemic two years ago.
Latest figures revealed by the Regional Directorate of Statistics of Madeira show that the number of guests visiting Madeira in August rose by 1.7 per cent compared to the corresponding period in August 2019.
Accommodation occupancy rates were also up by 2.3 per cent, with the revenue per available room rising by an impressive 22.6 per cent, helping to increase global profits by 7.4 per cent.
The encouraging figures follow in the wake of further success for Madeira at this month’s International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) – the biggest event of its kind for the golf-travel industry.
Madeira’s nine-strong group, which was made up of representatives from the islands’ tourist board, golf courses and hotels, was one of the star attractions at the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales.
Exhibiting under the Madeira Golf Passport trademark, the delegation held more than 100 meetings during the four-day event with buyers and tour operators interested in promoting the idyllic destination.
Nuno Vale, executive director of the Madeira Promotion Bureau and part of the group at IGTM, said: “It has not been an easy time for the golf-travel industry since the start of the pandemic, but we are very encouraged by what we have seen in recent months.
“The increase in visitor numbers to above pre-pandemic levels is a reflection of the growing confidence and desire of people to travel again, while it was also tremendous to see at first-hand the amount of interest from companies who are eager to promote Madeira as a golfing destination.”
Named as Europe’s leading island destination at the 2021 World Travel Awards for the eighth year in a row, Madeira boasts three first-class golf courses – Palheiro Golf, Clube de Golfe Santo da Serra and Porto Santo Golf – as well as an array of outstanding historic, cultural and lifestyle experiences.
The islands have enjoyed a steady increase in overseas bookings in the last year with growing numbers of European golfers eager to experience the many benefits of playing first-class golf in a safe and secure environment and visiting from the UK and Europe has never been easier.
Madeira. Belongs to all – the consumer-facing brand of the Madeira Promotion Bureau – has taken every step to ensure the safety of every resident and visitor.
Since the start of the pandemic, the archipelago has been considered one of the safest destinations in Europe and has been widely praised for its handling of the Covid-19 crisis. Earlier this year, Madeira was named as one of the safest destinations for 2021 by European Best Destinations and has worked closely with SGS, the world’s leading certification company, to ensure safe practice across the destination and minimise risk in regard to Covid-19.
Under the umbrella brand “Madeira Safe to Discover”, Madeira. Belongs to all has published updated guidelines for all incoming visitors, including for people who have been vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19.
The green corridor already exists at Madeira airport for those who arrive with a vaccination certificate or with proof of a negative PCR test done within 72 hours. Alternatively, visitors can take a free test at the airport on arrival and having entered Madeira, visitors are free to travel anywhere in the islands. People who did not test for free on arrival at the airport can still have a free test before travelling back to their country of origin if needed, while discounts are also available on any further tests that are required for visitors returning to their country of origin, with PCR tests from 90 and antigen tests from 18.
In addition, from November 1st, only an antigen test is required for travellers who have not been vaccinated or have recovered from Covid for more than 90 days.
Located approximately 1,000km from the European mainland – and just 500km from the African continent – the island destination, named as the world and Europe’s leading island destination at the 2020 World Travel Awards, enjoys an amazingly mild climate, ranging from 25°c in the summer to 17°c in the winter, with very mild average temperatures and moderate humidity, making it the perfect year-round location for a golf break.
The best way to enjoy the archipelago’s golf is with a Madeira Golf Passport which, providing holders with an unrivalled golf experience, is available to both individuals and groups and can be booked on a three or five-round basis.
Offering a one-stop shop for visitors eager to play Madeira’s three world-class golf courses and discover why the Portuguese islands have been acclaimed as the world’s best emerging golf destination, the portal features the chance for golfers to review and book their golf and accommodation, with a selection of quality hotel, self-catering and all-inclusive options all available.
Three-round packages cost 225 per person while five-round passports are priced at 360 per person.
For more information on Madeira, please visit: www.madeiraallyear.com