The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Environment and Culture and President of the Madeira Promotion Association, Eduardo Jesus, considers the Best Island Destination award to be “a reflection of the consistent work developed 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 official emphasises that the Autonomous Region of Madeira has already received 25 awards since 2013 at the European and world galas of the so-called “Oscars of Tourism”, consolidating its “global reputation”.

Eduardo Jesus said that the distinction awarded this year “is the result of the commitment of the entire sector” and an incentive to continue investing “in qualification, innovation and sustainability,” which he points out as “central pillars of Madeira's tourism strategy.”

Competing with Madeira for this award were 14 other destinations: 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 recognize, reward, and celebrate excellence in all sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.

Cruise award

Also in Bahrain, the World Cruise Awards were presented, and the region was awarded for the fourth consecutive time as Europe's Best Cruise Destination 2025.

“This recognition is not only directed at the cruise sector, which, in fact, deserves it very much. It is also a just tribute to all the people of Madeira,” says the Regional Secretary for Economy.

In a statement, José Manuel Rodrigues, responsible for the supervision of APRAM (Administration of the Ports of the Autonomous Region of Madeira), underlines that the “friendliness, competence and art of hospitality” of the people of Madeira make the archipelago an “excellent tourist destination”.

According to official data, in 2024, Madeira experienced its best year ever in the cruise sector, with 316 cruise ship calls, which carried 728,604 passengers and 271,974 crew members, with an impact of 61.4 million euros on the regional economy.

This year alone, up to the end of October, the ports of Funchal and Porto Santo received 478,374 passengers and 177,854 crew members, in a total of 213 port calls.

The World Cruise Awards were first presented in 2021, and last year's Annual Gala was held in Funchal.