Madeira, a golf destination PLUS...

It would be unfair to say that Madeira is a golf destination because, in fact, it’s so much more than that. Madeira and Porto Santo are unique golf destinations, combining golf courses with other experiences that the region is known for, in particular culture, wine tourism, gastronomy and active tourism, among others. 

Madeira has been breaking records in terms of occupancy and tourist revenue. In 2023, it exceeded 10 million overnight stays and, to this end, investment in promoting the region as a leading golf destination has contributed a great deal.

Nominated for World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination at the World Golf Awards in 2023, the region boasts three golf courses: Clube de Golf do Santo da Serra, Palheiro Golf and Porto Santo Golfe. A golf course is currently being built in Ponta do Pargo, which will further expand the Madeira Golf Passport, as will the expansion project to the Porto Santo course.

The Madeira Golf Passport is a brand created to communicate and promote the product, in a coordinated strategy between the Madeira Promotion Association, the golf courses, an agency specialising in golf and partners who are actively working to get it out there. 

In 2023, we totalled 75,072 rounds played on the three courses – an increase of 8.3% compared to the same period last year. And in terms of total revenue, the product shows a year-on-year growth of around 22% when compared to the 2022 figures.

Our strategy has naturally focused on the markets with the greatest representation in this niche product – the Nordic countries, Germany, the United Kingdom, France and the domestic market – and this will continue, but for 2024 we have our sights set on other markets, such as the USA, due to new routes and flight connections. What’s more, this year golf will take on another dimension, as Madeira will be the venue for the world’s biggest golf event, the World Golf Awards.

Playing golf is also growing in the local community, including among foreign residents and, as with other experiences, the tourists and the residents mingle, each becoming an ambassador for Madeira. And golfers know how valuable that is.

We therefore continue to believe in the potential of golf and work to promote the Madeira Golf Passport as a unique product and an obvious asset for the destination of Madeira.