Madeira has once again enjoyed great award success at the World Travel Awards (WTA) and World Golf Awards 2024 respectively. For the 10th consecutive year, Madeira was crowned “World’s Leading Island Destination” at the 31st edition of the World Travel Awards, which took place at the Savoy Palace Hotel in Funchal. Madeira was also awarded “World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination” at the World Golf Awards (WGA) at the same venue, with two of the archipelago’s renowned golf clubs also receiving individual honours.

Eduardo Jesus, Regional Secretary of Economy, Tourism and Culture and President of the Madeira Promotion Bureau, highlighted that this WTA award, consistently won by Madeira since 2015 is “a recognition of the efforts undertaken by the entire sector to reinforce Madeira’s international positioning as a unique, year round destination to everyone.” He added: “It is an honour and a privilege to receive this award at a gala hosted in Funchal, in the presence of many guests from Madeira, as well as entities and institutions that work tirelessly throughout the year to achieve such regonition from the World Travel Awards.”

In addition to these prestigious awards, Madeira was also named “Europe’s Leading Island Destination” for the tenth time, “Europe’s Leading Beach Destination” for Porto Santo and “Europe’s Leading Tourist Board”, awarded to Madeira Promotion Bureau.

 

At the World Golf Awards 2024, Santo da Serra Golf Club was named as “World’s Best Par 3 Hole,” standing out among iconic global locations. The club’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability was also recognised with the title of “World’s Best Sustainable Water Capture Course System.” Meanwhile, Palheiro Golf earned the “World’s Best Panoramic Clubhouse” award, renowned for its breathtaking views over Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean.

 

Eduardo Jesus emphasised the honour of Madeira being named the Best Emerging Golf Destination. “This award is a recognition of the ongoing efforts to develop, promote, and communicate this sport. Today, we have three truly exceptional golf courses in the archipelago, designed by some of the most renowned names in the field, perfectly integrated into our unique landscape. We are already building a fourth course, this time on the western part of Madeira.”

 

He also highlighted the work of the Madeira Promotion Bureau in recent years to strengthen the visibility of the region’s golf courses, mainly through the Madeira Golf Passport project, which has elevated the sport’s global promotion: “This award, once again granted to Madeira, consolidates the efforts made in this area and adds a greater responsibility to continue positioning Madeira as a unique golf destination in the world.” He further emphasised that hosting the awards ceremony in Funchal was a unique opportunity to showcase the island and its distinctive golf offerings to the sport’s global elite.