The Liberal Initiative (IL) has expressed concern over the performance of Madeira’s golf sector, warning of a significant decline in demand during the first five months of 2026 and calling on the Regional Government to reassess its strategy for this important tourism market.
In a statement, the party highlighted that between January and May, the total number of rounds played on the Region’s golf courses fell from 44,876 to 37,998, a decline of 15.3% compared with the same period in 2025. The drop was even more pronounced among international golfers, with rounds falling by 21.7%, from 38,809 to 30,405. Rounds played by non-members also decreased by 19.6%.
According to IL, these figures warrant careful consideration by the Regional Government, particularly at a time when public investment in the sector has increased through the construction of a new golf course at Ponta do Pargo and plans for another in Faial. Although total revenue from golf course operations rose by around 3.9% between January and May, increasing from €2.26 million to €2.35 million, the party argues that this growth should not distract from the underlying fall in demand.
IL deputy Gonçalo Maia Camelo said that an increase in revenue does not necessarily mean the sector is in better health, arguing that it is important to establish whether higher turnover is simply the result of increased prices, and whether such an approach is sustainable over the medium to long term.
The party also questioned recent comments by the President of the Regional Government, Miguel Albuquerque, who stated that the Porto Santo golf course currently contributes €26 million a year to the island’s economy. IL noted that the combined operating revenue of Madeira’s three golf courses totalled approximately €4.47 million in 2025, arguing that the apparent discrepancy between the two figures should be explained by the Regional Government.
Gonçalo Maia Camelo added: “The best way to protect the sector is not to ignore the figures, but to analyse them transparently and act accordingly.”
IL maintains that golf remains a strategic asset for Madeira’s tourism industry. However, the party believes that future development should be guided by objective evidence and a strategy focused on enhancing the Region’s existing natural and landscape assets, rather than expanding the number of golf courses.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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