DREM releases survey results on resident perceptions about tourism in the Autonomous Region of Madeira

The Regional Directorate of Statistics of Madeira (DREM) has published today a statistical study on tourism in the Autonomous Region of Madeira (ARM). The findings are based on the main results of the Survey of Residents on Tourism in the ARM (IRTM). This regional statistical operation was developed and conducted by DREM as the regional statistical authority. Between October and December 2023, persons aged 18 and over, residing in 780 households randomly selected by Statistics Portugal (INE), were surveyed. A total of 678 interviews were successfully completed.

The survey was conducted as part of the strategic tourism plan for the ARM, where monitoring a set of performance and control indicators is crucial for implementing and evaluating the strategy. This allows for a better understanding of the dynamics of tourism supply and demand. Specific studies like this one aim to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities, enabling a more targeted response to the current paradigm. In collaboration with the Regional Directorate of Tourism (DRT), DREM undertook this statistical operation to capture the perceptions of Madeira residents on how tourism impacts their lives, as well as its economic, social, and environmental effects on the region.

Key findings from the IRTM

1. Impact of tourism on the quality of life of residents aged 18 or older in the ARM

• In their free time, outside a professional context, 42.7% of the population stated that they occasionally encountered tourists, while 40.1% said they did so frequently.
• Although the IRTM results indicate regular or frequent contact with tourists, as mentioned in the previous point, these interactions do not disturb the vast majority of residents aged 18 or older in the ARM, as only a small proportion (6.3%) reported being bothered by them.
• 53.9% of residents in the ARM consider the current flow of tourists to be "very high," 37.9% regard it as "high," and only 7.7% deem it "moderate."
• Despite most residents viewing the tourist flow as "very high" (53.9%), as noted earlier, 92.2% reported that they have not needed to change their habits to avoid tourists. Only 7.8% affirmed this issue.
• Tourist-resident interactions are rare for 53.4% of the population, while 24.0% interact almost daily, 15.6% interact daily, and 7.0% interact only occasionally.
• Tourists’ behaviour is generally considered respectful and pleasant, with 94.1% and 97.4% of residents, respectively, agreeing with these characterisations.
• Regarding tourists’ spending in the Region, 56.9% of residents believe they spend "neither too much nor too little," 24.5% think they spend "little," and 9.1% consider that they spend "a lot."

2. Residents' opinions on the impact of tourism in the ARM

• Residents’ perception of the economic impact of tourism in the ARM

• Residents’ perception of the social impact of tourism in the ARM

• Residents’ perception of the environmental impact of tourism in the ARM

• When asked whether tourist accommodations should continue to grow in the ARM, opinions were divided as 39.1% disagreed with further growth, 34.2% agreed, and 26.7% were neutral.
  
  

3. Overall Opinion on Tourism in the ARM

• A vast majority, 90.4% of residents aged 18 or older, expressed a favourable view of tourism in the ARM.
  

For more information, access:

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