Madeira shines in digital tourism

Tobi Hughes·
Madeira News

The region climbed to the TOP 10 of the list of best destinations in the world for digital nomads. A list with more than two thousand destinations.

Since the beginning of the year, the region has risen in this table. It was in position 70.

The reason is the Madeira Digital Nómadas project, which has already surpassed the 6,200 people registered. And the number continues to increase.

Since it was announced, the Madeira Digital Nomads initiative has attracted the attention of international media.

Those responsible for the project emphasize that a large investment is not necessary, but guarantee that the Region can become a world leader in digital nomadism.

From RTP Madeira

This is very good for Madeira, and also great for Porto Santo, bringing much needed economy to the he Islands.

But what th is they have also brought problems, especially not sticking to the rules and measures we have in place for the Covid-19 pandemic. Not respecting the curfew, and holding parties with many people till late in the night. Readers have sent me complaints on a weekly basis, 2-3 a week sometimes.

So it’s great they are hear, and also I believe they can do a much better job than the tourist board in putting Madeira on the map and reaching out to different audiences, but keep the respect.

What do you all think about Digital Nomads, good or bad for the islands.?

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Tobi Hughes

21 Responses

  1. I think it is great. But I also believe they should communicate the rules in Madeira regarding the pandemic more clearly. I am sure not all of the digital nomads are completely aware of them.

    1. Tobi, you know my opinion. It would be great if they stayed in hotels, as this would bring much needed revenue to the island, employ local people and keep their stupid late night parties under control. Recently, on Porto Santo a group of 11 of them stayed in a hotel and had to be repeatedly asked to refrain from disturbing hotel guests until 1.30am. Their response to tge security guard? ” who are you?” Here opposite our house they have countless times disturbed us,break EVERY law on lockdown that there is; inviting friends over for parties staying overnight in friend’s houses, returning late at night or early morning, not to mention parking in front of our gate, blocking our access. Their response when asked to move the car? ” I’m not interested”. They know their reputation is dirt but they don’t care, as they told us.These are facts, not opinions. On Porto Santo a coffee shop owner complained that they spend FIVE HOURS in his coffee shop drinking one coffee. They are not investing in the island. As a businessman concluded after one short meeting with one of their representatives ” these people are not interested in work, they just want to party”

      So, all of you can draw your own conclusions, and if I receive criticism for this, so be it. This are facts, not opinions. Madeira deserves better.

      1. Not sure why digital nomads would be more prone to partying as by definition they work during their stay. Surely if they are not interested in work and just want to party all day they are just tourists?

        1. As the article mentions, they party in the night mainly. They can work during the day (or whichever time suits a person). I guess a person can party no matter if they work or not. As for naming, does it really matter?

          1. As the comment says ” these people are not interested in work, they just want to party”. There are idiots at all ages and in all professions.

  2. It’s good, but will there be an exodus once cheaper more traditional locations (Thailand, Mexico, Brazil ) open up to tourist again?

  3. I don’t get what this is about. Are they encouraging people to travel for a glorified holiday during a global pandemic ? If it’s digital, why don’t they just work from home ? ? If I’ve got the wrong end if the stick forgive me, but I just don’t see what they’re trying to do.

    1. That’s the point – why work from home if you can work from anywhere in the world?

  4. Let’s try again. What is a digital nomad please? Once I understand that bit then I can go good or bad. Ignoring curfews and partying like it was 2019 not good.

  5. Visitors are welcome, whether they are temporary, digital, nomads…

    They should comply with the rules but the advantage is that they are a “closed circuit”. They are young, come from outside, have little if any direct contact with people of Madeira except for services where in general rules are complied. They have very good salaries and although they don´t pay taxes of their incomes in Madeira they have money to eat out every day, go for a drink, visit several places in the island, etc, that is, they behave in a similar way to other tourist for that type of services.

    Who knows, eventually some might even want to stay longer and base a small company in Madeira. A good laptop and a good wi-fi connection is all they need to make their job.

  6. Digital nomads set up temporary home and work. They will move on sooner or later when monthly costs hit in high cost of living rent bills etc etc.

  7. As a person who is a travel writer, photographer and an aspiring blogger I completely understand why Madeira has been such a draw for digital nomads. It is a beautiful island, with a great climate, gorgeous nature and wonderful people. It is still reasonably cheap. But to answer many of your readers’ questions above…..
    Robin Watson – it is truly a pity that young people behave the way they do, especially during the pandemic, and not only disrespect the local restrictions, but also have no regards for others peace. Unfortunately, digital nomads are mostly (not all) very young people, usually in their 20s, maybe early 30s. I guess those will always party and respect for others is not their strong suit. Not justifying it here in any way, just a fact. ?‍♀️
    Regarding the nomads staying in hotels…..most stay for a very long time. They are not super wealthy, since most are young, and simply could not afford to do so. Example: Digital Travel Couple and Jackson Groves. They both rented places. As a matter of fact, Jackson rented the exact apartment I booked in 2019, and it cost €200+/night. I am sure he got a break because of the pandemic situation, but even that is not super cheap if you’re staying for months. And that’s what many do.
    Steve – those people can work any time of day they want. They make their own schedule, and are totally flexible. That’s the beauty of being a digital nomad. The partying is mostly in the evenings and at night. Most people don’t work at that time. Honestly, they can do both, as long as it is within the parameters of local laws and decency (respecting others), which, I guess, hasn’t unfortunately been the case.
    G – I think Madeira will always be popular. Probably more among European nomads than others. Many of my friend bloggers, who are American, have already been in Mexico or Bali for quite some time, on different kinds of visas and arrangements. Mexico never really closed.
    Nicky – a digital nomad is a person who travels for work, usually because a place/location other than their own country is simply cheaper than their own. It is strictly money related, as well as the desire to be in a new and different location that is attractive for lots of reasons to a young person. It gives them the opportunity to see the world, work and enjoy at the same time.

    I myself have seriously considered coming for a few months, not because I need a cheap place to stay, but because I love Madeira and have a few lovely friends there. I have been to the island 4 times but, considering I’m just about to launch a luxury travel blog, could certainly use a lot more material than I already have to write about, photograph and film. There is so much that this it’s a differs that it’s hard to cover it well in 4 fairly short trips. The only reason why I haven’t done so, were the restrictions placed on Americans traveling to the EU (I am still waiting for my EU passport ?), as well as the fact that so many places are closed on the island. I do not like to cook every single night and I need tour companies to be open and not restricted the way they are now. It weighed heavily on my decision not to come for the time being, simply because it would limit what I really need to do for my work and projects. But when things open up, I think you will probably see an increase in digital nomads, rather than a decrease, as they will be more inclined to come to a place that’s already known for everything it has to offer, but now free to roam.

    Digital nomad concept is really taking off in many more places around the globe as the world has changed post pandemic, and I think more and more people will choose to work remotely. And if they can be in a beautiful place doing so, and meet other nomads and form friendships with other likeminded individuals, why not?

    I understand the frustration of some of the readers here, especially those that don’t quite grasp the digital nomad concept yet, but I think this trend is only here to stay and grow. I just wish they respected the local laws and regulations and had more consideration for others. This way everybody would benefit: the nomads, the locations and their economies, AND the locals.
    ?

    1. Thanks Monika for that. I hope you will get to Madeira soon and see more of what it has to offer, and we will all be looking forward to seeing the content on your travel blog. ❤️❤️❤️

      1. Thank you Toby! Will definitely connect with you for some tours and insights. Looking forward to it. Poncha on me! ? ?

    2. Thanks Monica my flippant comment was more pointing out Digital Nomad does not equal partying any more than 70+ tourist = partying. Living on the island during winter, as a digital nomad, for a number of years, I have seen many 70+ tourists getting hammered at all you can drink “concept” menu places and shouting late at night. Also many older tourists not wanting to follow the rules on masks and wanting more than 4 people per table at restaurants.

  8. Sorry for the mistake, but google sometimes autocorrects. ?
    I meant to say: “There is so much that this island has to offer that it’s hard to cover it well…..”

    1. 200 Euros a night for an apartment ? It must be a well paid occupation being a digital nomad. I can understand the the theory, I have a computer link, I know how to operate a computer, and I am reasonably literate but doesn’t one have to have a particular skill, I think of the professions. Or am I just a service centre operative, basically answering a communications line ? Or even the guy that keeps ringing me up to tell me an illegal act has been committed on my computer and they are are going to disconnect my connection ?

      1. I think Monika exaggerated a bit. Maybe 200 eur per night when renting short term (a week or so), but when you rent 1+ months you usually get pretty good deals, 2000 eur a month.
        Digital nomads have usually either software related jobs (programmers, designers, managers) or company owners. Programmers salaries are easily 6000 – 20000 eur a month, depending on country and position.

        1. Martin – I didn’t. It’s exactly what it was, but you are right, it was for a week. These apartments are a class above – new, big space, beautifully furnished, modern, huge terrace, and an amazing view. They are right across from Reid’s, so prime location. Also, they were just finishing them. It was in September 2019. I think they were still trying to figure out what they can charge. I actually ended up canceling and renting a whole villa with a pool instead for almost the same price because the construction was still going on and I was afraid of noise and disruption. I am sure Jackson got a break since he stayed there for, what was that, 6-7 months?
          And yes, digital nomads have all sorts of professions and some make very decent money.

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