Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, Dec. 27, 2024 (Lusa) - Hotel occupancy during the New Year celebrations in Madeira will be around 100%, the Regional Secretariat for Economy, Tourism and Culture said on Friday, emphasising that the region is consolidated as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations during the Christmas and New Year's holidays.
The forecast refers to the 30th and 31st of December and stems from a survey carried out by the Regional Secretariat, under the supervision of Eduardo Jesus, among tour operators.
"The results of the surveys confirm that Madeira remains one of the destinations of choice for Christmas and New Year's Eve, not only in Portugal, but also internationally," the official said in a statement, adding that the hotel occupancy rate is "a reflection of the continuous effort to promote the region", which combines "tradition, innovation and a tourist offer of excellence".
The New Year's Eve fireworks display in Funchal is one of the highlights of the festive programme, this year under the theme ‘Azulejos da Madeira’ (Tiles of Madeira).
Lasting eight minutes and with 59 firing points (27 in Funchal's amphitheatre, 25 on the city's seafront and five at sea, plus two on the island of Porto Santo), the show will combine pyrotechnics with innovative multimedia technologies, including lasers, lights and music.
In addition to the thousands of Madeirans and tourists who watch the show on land every year, this year there will be 11 cruise ships, a large sailing ship and a mega yacht in the harbour and bay of Funchal, carrying a total of 27,000 people, approximately 19,000 passengers and 8,000 crew.
"Compared to 2023, both during Christmas and New Year's Eve, hotel occupancy rates registered consistent increases, reflecting the consolidation of the tourism sector," reads the statement from the Secretariat for Economy, Tourism and Culture, which also highlights the "rich programme of culture, entertainment and shows" during this season.
Madeira's Christmas and New Year festive programme kicked off on December 1, with a series of initiatives that will liven up the centre of Funchal until January 7, with an investment of €4.1 million.
The amount includes entertainment and logistics, support for the organisations involved, the New Year's Eve fireworks (€1.3 million), as well as this year's Christmas illuminations and Carnival (Mardi Gras) 2025, since this is a joint public tender.
A total of 173 performances have been scheduled for this period, including 51 concerts, 24 choir shows, 49 performances by folk groups and philharmonic bands, five DJ performances, among other initiatives.
The traditional Christmas Market, located on the central plaza of Avenida Arriaga, one of the biggest attractions of the season, will also be open until 7 January. Between Sunday and Thursday, it opens at about 10 am and closes at midnight and at weekends it closes at 1 am, but on 31 December it will close exceptionally at 4 am.
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