Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, Dec. 8, 2026 (Lusa) - The Portuguese Island of Madeira has received the award for World's Leading Island Destination for the 11th consecutive year at the World Travel Awards, whose global gala took place on Saturday in Bahrain, where the region was also voted Europe's Leading Cruise Destination 2025.
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Environment and Culture and President of the Madeira Promotion Association, Eduardo Jesus, considers that the award for Best Island Destination is "a reflection of the consistent work carried out over the last few years, in partnership with the sector and with all those who promote and believe in the region".
In a statement, the regional secretary emphasises that the Autonomous Region of Madeira has received 25 awards since 2013 at European and world galas of the so-called "Tourism Oscars", consolidating its "global reputation".
Eduardo Jesus emphasised that this year's award "is the result of the commitment of the entire sector" and an incentive to continue investing "in training, innovation and sustainability", which he points to as "central pillars of Madeira's tourism strategy".
Fourteen other destinations were in the running with Madeira for this award: Bali (Indonesia), Barbados, Cook Islands, Fiji (Pacific Ocean), Hawaii (USA), Turks and Caicos Islands (Caribbean), Jamaica (Caribbean), Isla Mujeres (Mexico), Mauritius (Indian Ocean), Saint Lucia (Caribbean), Seychelles (Indian Ocean), Tahiti, Philippines and Zanzibar (Tanzania).
The World Travel Awards were created in 1993 to recognise, reward and celebrate excellence in all sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.
Also in Bahrain, on Saturday, the World Cruise Awards were presented, with the region being awarded for the fourth consecutive time as Best Cruise Destination in Europe 2025.
"This recognition is not only directed at the cruise sector, which, in fact, deserves it very much. It is also a fitting tribute to all Madeirans," said the Regional Secretary for the Economy.
In a statement, José Manuel Rodrigues, head of APRAM Administração dos Portos da Região Autónoma da Madeira (Port Authority of the Autonomous Region of Madeira), emphasised that the "friendliness, competence and art of hospitality" of the people of Madeira make the archipelago a "tourist destination of excellence".
According to official data, 2024 was the best year ever for Madeira in the cruise sector, with 316 cruise ship calls, carrying 728,604 passengers and 271,974 crew members, with an impact of €61.4 million on the regional economy.
This year, by the end of October, the ports of Funchal and Porto Santo had received 478,374 passengers and 177,854 crew members, with a total of 213 stopovers.
The World Cruise Awards were presented for the first time in 2021, and last year's Annual Gala was held in Funchal.
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