A newly released DW Travel video looks at how Madeira is dealing with record visitor numbers and the strain on popular attractions. In 2024, the island received over 2.2 million tourists for about 250,000 residents, which has increased congestion in places such as Funchal’s old town, the Mercado dos Lavradores, and the Monte toboggan rides. The report also focuses on the island’s broader tourism management challenges and how authorities are responding. To reduce pressure, officials have limited new short-term rentals in Funchal and introduced paid time-slot systems for well-known hiking routes like the 25 Fontes levada. The 10 minute video includes an interview with regional secretary Eduardo Jesus, who discusses his view of the main issues. Jesus says there is no negative impact because accommodation is spread across the island and there is no concentration of people. The video is presented as a look at how Madeira is trying to balance tourism growth with crowd control.
