_{Thursday 22nd April 2010}

The Portuguese island of Madeira is set to be a top tourist hotspot this summer, with some sources reporting 90% occupancy level throughout the season.

The capital, Funchal last weekend hosted the Annual Madeira Flower Festival which proved to be popular with more than 90% of the islands hotels rooms and resorts booked up. These early indications are looking great for tourist services on the island, potentially boosting income.

Key surveys from tour operators this year are predicting that holidaymakers are opting for the awaycation instead of the much talked about staycation as overseas holidays come down in price.

Steven Worboys, MD of Madeiran property experts, Experience International said: “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.”

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. 

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.