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25 November 2009
Madeira, a Portuguese island located in the mid-Atlantic Ocean, is starting to shake off its blue-rinse brigade reputation and attract more contemporary tourists and property investors - since the launch of budget airlines to the tropical island in 2007; Madeira has been identified as an emerging market with strong potential for growth...
Famed for its wine and cake, sub-tropical climate, levada walks and for producing the best football player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo, Madeira has long appealed to a high number of year-round tourists from around the world. Over the last ten years the government has heavily invested in the infrastructure of the island, building an intricate system of tunnels and have drawn up further plans to upgrade the roads making it easy to access all parts of the island. his progressive Portuguese island has many hidden secrets for investors and the lcal government is now keen to promote them. The relaxed nature of Madeira has long attracted the older generation seeking tranquility The island also offers a range of water sporting facilities for those adrenaline junkies.
The ISA World Surf championships have been hosted on the islands which are better known to be held in areas such as Hawaii. Paul do Mar region of the island is respected throughout the surf community as it offers eight metre high waves and fantastic tubular tunnels.
Other such activities include the ‘Rali Vinho da Madeira' motor racing event, with cars tearing around at break neck speeds, whale watching, rock climbing and deep sea fishing, with plenty of Atlantic Blue Marlin, Big Eye Tuna, Longbill and Mediterranean Spearfish around its waters.
Located just three and a half hours flying time from the UK, Madeira's forests, in parts, are a mix of banana trees and eucalyptus which is native only to Australia and the landscape is cared for by the residents who inhabit it. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that famous leaders such as Winston Churchill and explorers like Christopher Columbus fell in love with this jewel and made it their place of residence in times gone by.
 Property on the island has not been overdeveloped, compared to neighbouring European countries and offers a wide selection from modern day villas, apartments and traditional homes with a rural feel. The local community are not as bullish, compared to the UK when it comes to sale and purchase of property, creating a stable and sustainable market place. This is supported by tight building restrictions which preserve the island creating demand near natural beauty spots.
The impact of the global financial crash on Madeira has been minimal compared to most other European destinations. Property values on the island have remained stable during the recent global economic downturn, making it an attractive option for future investment.
Michael Nascimento, the Director of Morgan Forbes, is developing a five-star Hotel in the Ponto do Pargo region of the Island. Morgan Forbes, a low risk commissional broker ship that specialises in asset backed investments, has already been given permission to build a high-end apart-hotel scheme, with off-plan units, available on a share certificate basis, offered for a deposit of as little as £6,750, with a low total investment of just £19547.
Morgan Forbes five-star project could offer the perfect mix, with a forecasted return on investment of 142.7%, taking advantage of the Islands buoyant tourism trade and stable property market. Official Government statistics reported that in 2008 the average occupancy for five-star hotel developments across the island was 91.1% and in some parts as high as 99%.
Following on from the success of the recently constructed Palheiro Golf resort on the island, planning consent has been award for the construction of a new Nick Faldo designed 27-hole golf resort in the Ponta do Pargo
Madeira is also supported by the extension of its airport to allow more flights and larger planes to land on a daily basis. Easy Jet land a minimum of three flights a day and other airlines are extending their routes to cater for the ever growing demand for the island.
There are many factors that discerning investors should look to before investing their money abroad. Madeira offers a stable economy, strong currency, low price vulnerability, a buoyant tourism market and an ever need to punch above its weight with world class events. Madeira's prospects moving forward look positive.
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At the Ponta do Pargo planning meeting, architects, Bruno Martins and Susana Jesus (both founders of MSB Arquitectura), and Michael Nascimento, Managing Director of Morgan Forbes, gave Mr Baeta a personal presentation of the luxury resort. The Mayor, who takes a keen interest in projects within his region, was able to gain a comprehensive idea of the concept behind the Ponta do Pargo Resort. The Mayor was presented with full plans of the project and he also visited the site for the hotel itself. At the panoramic cliff tops overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Mr Baeta was able to get a first-hand insight into the luxury resort's unique location.
passengers. International passengers fell 19.1%, to 96,100 in the comparison of the same months. In the seven months to July 2009, Madeira Airport had an overall fall in passenger numbers of 5.5% to 1.36 million, whilst domestic traffic grew 12.2% to 671,700 passengers.
company responsible for the Irish low-cost airline, and it was suggested a meeting between the two parties at the next international conference "Routes", to be held between 13th and 15th September in the city of Beijing (China). An estimated 92% of the worlds major airports are represented there. Roberto Santa Clara Gomes, Deputy Director of Airports on Madeira, and responsible for the sales and marketing of ANAM, will be in Beijing and in charge of contacts with Ryanair. For the airline it is not the first time of showing an interest in flying to Madeira. Ryanair has been trying for 10 years to strike a deal, but the demands from the airport are too high. Ryanair has a new base now in Porto, which opened last week. Bernardo Trindade, secretary of state for tourism in Portugal, talked about Madeira during a meeting at the inauguration last week, with the chairman of Ryanair, Michael O’Leary.