Madeira Witnesses 24% increase in Tourist Arrivals by Sea

by Charlotte Ashton Portugal

The Atlantic archipelago of Madeira continues to ride high on the tourism wave with Funchal Harbour witnessing a 24% increase in tourist arrivals in the first seven months of 2010 compared to same period last year.

As reported by the Official Madeira Islands Tourism website, Funchal is experience its best year in terms of arrivals with 254,939 passengers disembarking during this period, some 50,000 more than previously recorded and 23 more vessels stopping at the deep water harbour.
Located on the southern side of the main island, Funchal is the cosmopolitan capital of Madeira, home to 150,000 people making it the most populous Portuguese city outside mainland Portugal.
Steven Worboys, MD of the Madeira property experts at Experience International, comments,
“Funchal enjoys a unique position with the surrounding hills acting as a natural amphitheatre rising some 1200m from the deep water harbour which has long been a stopping point for many cruise ships and yachts. It is encouraging to see that more and more people are discovering the magical beauty of Madeira not only by plane but by sea as well.”
Madeira has certainly seen a surge in tourist interest in recent years. Over 1 million people visit annually (Tourism & Transport Regional Secretary of Madeira, 2008), the majority are from within the EU with a recent report in Travel Daily News ranking Madeira the fifth most sought after island by Brits.
Worboys continues,
“Awareness of the beauty and serenity of Madeira has certainly increased in the UK. No longer the preserve of the retired community, the islands are attracting individuals, young couples and families alike both for holidays and also second homes.“
The property market of Madeira still remains relatively undeveloped with the limited availability of viable land and low supply of high quality accommodation creating exclusivity. There are however some stunning residences to be considered such as the completed Palheiro Estate. Located on a prime hilltop site overlooking Funchal, the 130 hectare Palheiro estate has grown from an early 19th century hunting lodge and summer retreat for nobility into a low density luxury resort destination.
The high quality apartments and villas afford stunning views over the harbour with owners able to enjoy the beautiful gardens, swimming pool and sun deck, golf facilities and first class hotel amenities on site. Prices start from €325,000 and regular inspection visits operate from the UK.
For more information on visiting the magical islands of Madeira or indeed the Palheiro Village contact the experts at Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.co.uk.

Madeira set to be top tourist destination this summer

by Charlotte Ashton Portugal

The Portuguese island of Madeira is on course to be a top tourism destination this summer as early reports indicate 90% hotel occupancy levels.

Demand for quality accommodation on the magical island, tucked away in the corner of Europe, is high with hotels in the capital city of Funchal which hosted the Annual Madeira Flower Festival last weekend reporting impressive occupancy levels of 90%.
Funchal, an established tourism destination, popular with individuals and families alike, hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year which draw hundreds of thousands of visitors, boosting the local economy and generating demand for property owners with apartments and villas to rent.  
Steven Worboys, MD of Madeiran property experts, Experience International, comments:
“Despite being the largest island in the Portuguese archipelago, 70% of the land is protected from development and due to the rocky nature of this volcanic hot spot a significant remainder is unsuitable for construction meaning that accommodation is in short supply. With over 1 million tourists visiting this Pearl of the Atlantic each year opportunity and requiring accommodation opportunity abounds for the buy to let market.”
New flights to Funchal
And now it will be even easier to reach this tourism hotspot this summer. Starting on 13th May 2010, Flybe will be operating a direct flight from Norwich International Airport to Funchal. The popular budget airline has introduced the route and increased its charter seat capacity by 70% in anticipation of increased demand this summer.
For those interested in purchasing a second home on the magical island of Madeira, Experience International are running a number of Discovery Tours which offer serious potential buyers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture of Madeira, view the wonders of the island and tour the superb properties such as the Palheiro Estate, available.
Located on a prime hilltop site overlooking the charming capital of Funchal, the Palheiro Estate offers some of the most sought after completed residences on the island and now a number of purchaser incentives. Prices range from €325,000 for a 1 bedroom luxury apartment with private terrace to €1,600,000 for a stunning 4 bedroom villa with terrace and private garden. 
Alternatively if you fancy creating your own masterpiece then take advantage of one of the well-positioned land plots available starting from €395,000 for 3,846 m2 plot with 400m2 construction area.
For further information on the Madeiran property market and Discovery Tours contact Experience International for your free Magic of Madeira 24 page magazine on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.

Algarve set to see tourism boost from new cheap flights to Faro

by Charlotte Ashton Portugal

 

Ryanair recently announced it will open its 39th base at Faro in March 2010 with 6 based aircraft and 14 new routes (28 in total) being launched. The popular budget airline will operate over 200 weekly flights to/from Faro in an investment of over $400 million in the airport.
 
The new routes have been launched to help satisfy increasing demand for easy, affordable access to the region from across Europe. Portugal has a strong and sustainable tourism demand with 11 million visitors in 2009 (WTTC) and annual growth of 3% forecast until 2017.
 
The new routes which include Faro to Birmingham, Kerry and Knock will make the Algarve even more easily accessible from the UK and Ireland, a good indication that the region will see an increase in tourism numbers which in turn will generate higher demand for quality accommodation in the region.
 
This is good news for the recently launched Gotel an apart-hotel or hotel room investment opportunity perfectly located in the sought after western Algarve, overlooking the spectacular Praia Tres Irmaos at Alvor. The hotel is owned and operated by the Pestana Group, Portugal’s largest hotel and leisure operator, with a 30 year track record and thus assuring the future success. The hotel itself has a 15 year operating record.

Steven Worboys, MD of the specialist overseas property investment company Experience International, stated:
 
“The Gotel presents a unique opportunity to invest in a boutique hotel in Portugal’s highly sought after Algarve region. This project represents a next generation approach to property investment; apart-hotel rooms are widely regarded as a first-class turnkey investment product that are fully managed for the investor and require minimal involvement.”
 

For more information about the Gotel investment opportunity please contact Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit http://www.property-for-sale-in-portugal.co.uk/.

Property buyers toast to Madeira

by Charlotte Ashton Portugal

Madeira, 1000 km over sea south-west from Portugal’s capital Lisbon, is famous for its sweet wine which was a staple purchase for exploring ships on route to the New World hundreds of years ago. Today this autonomous region of Portugal still pulls in the crowds seeking that taste of the rich liquor coupled with the relaxed and warm Mediterranean climate. Some still come by boat in the form of bustling cruise ships but more so via air and with new flights announced by Jet2.com for 2010, tourism is set to grow meaning an increase in footfall on to the island and good news for property buyers ready to open their doors to holiday rentals.

In 1963 the airport was opened in Madeira, full of eager passengers from Germany, Scandinavia and the UK seeking winter sun and a Mediterranean alternative to the Costa del Sol package holidays. This reigns true today with Madeira attracting a discerning profile of tourists throughout the year. Cruise arrivals to the archipelago are still popular with Funchal, the capital, still a favoured port on the Atlantic cruise routes. As well as for sunshine (and the wine!) visitors now come for holidays with a difference; Madeira has much to offer in the way of leisure activities including walking, surfing, deep-sea fishing and mountaineering. But of course the 20 beautiful blue flag beaches are still a huge draw!
Jet2.com the low cost airline will begin flights from Manchester airport from 3rd May 2010 for as little as £49.99 one way (including taxes) to Funchal. Ian Doubtfire, Managing Director at Jet2.com comments, “Madeira is a stunning island and an absolutely fantastic summer holiday destination which I am sure will be extremely popular with our customers in the North West and beyond.”
Duarte Ferreira, Director at Madeira Airport, goes on to say, “The launch of this new scheduled route is extremely positive news for Madeira and will open up this beautiful region to many more visitors. The creation of this brand new link, especially at a time when other operators are looking to cut costs and services, plays such an important role for tourism in the region, benefiting the local economy and people working and living on the island. We hope that this partnership with Jet2.com will result in the opening of several new routes from the UK in the near future.”For Experience International, the overseas property agency, Jet2.com’s news simply reinforces their reasons for offering property on the island especially at this time when people are more cautious of investing overseas or are unsure of where is a safe option for their hard-earned cash. Their new off plan development, Azulara, situated on the hillside overlooking Funchal bay and the capital city, comprises of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments for investors with as little as £11,307 cash to spend. With entry levels of only €251,530, Azulara is sure to be a big hit providing the opportunity for holiday lets whilst allowing owners the option of enjoying the property themselves.

Funchal is without doubt the busiest town on this relatively quiet island, it has the appeal of the port plus amenities such as restaurants and shops to satisfy every visitor plus the added bonus of the most sunshine on the island!
Steve Worboys, MD of Experience International comments, “The Azulara Resort matches up with the high expectations that visitors have coming to Madeira with its 5* amenities – spa, gymnasium, swimming pools and exclusive Members Club plus build finishes to exacting standards. Every effort has been made to provide investors with value for money and a secure investment platform including deposit protection for the buyer. The location on the hillside above Funchal speaks for itself in terms of its appeal, it is without doubt a prime spot on the island; there are 180 degree panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean – the perfect place for our clients to enjoy a glass or two of Madeira wine!”
For more information on flights visit jet2.com or contact Experience International for further property information on 020 7321 5858 / www.madeira-property.net.
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Azulara, Funchal, Madeira
Azulara Resort comprises of 112 imaginatively designed apartments finished to the highest standards with enviable panoramic sea views. It holds a prime location on the south of the island, situated on the hillside overlooking Funchal Bay, only a few kilometres from the city centre and 20 minutes drive from the international airport. The 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments from €251,530 – €429,038 enjoy 180 degree sea views of the Atlantic Ocean stretching from Funchal to Camara do Lobos.
1 bedroom apartments of 60sqm include private parking, a 3sqm storage room and 20sqm balcony.
3 bedroom apartments of 103.5sqm include double private parking, a 3sqm storage room and 4sqm balcony.
Investment highlights:
–          Only £11,307* to invest
–          €24,800 instant equity
–          Deposit protected by Portuguese law up to twice its value
–          Own a 5* property on a prime location with sea views
–          85% mortgages available
–          9.7% gross yields
–          Up to €20,519 income after all costs and mortgage payments
–          At least 5% pa growth can be expected
–          Direct flights from several UK airports
* *All purchases are in Euros and calculated using an exchange rate of 1.1 € to 1 GBP £ in this report
For more information contact Experience International on 020 7321 5858 or visit www.madeira-property.net.