AL Company Operates Nearly 400 Units While Revenue Reaches €14.5 Million
As reported by Diário de Notícias Madeira, a Madeira-based company manages almost 400 short-term rental units across the archipelago, employing 42 staff and relying on external cleaning and laundry services.
Founded in 2010, the company has steadily expanded its presence in the tourism sector. The company’s head, stated:
We have been market leaders for several years and have grown steadily. This year we estimate to end with a turnover of no less than €14.5 million, compared to €11.5 million last year.
Company CEO, Diário de Notícias Madeira
The figures demonstrate how lucrative the short-term rental market in Madeira is and how much it contributes to the islands economy and employment sector.
“Quality Over Quantity” Does Not Restrict Growth of Short-Term Rental Units
The CEO emphasizes that expansion should prioritize “quality policies” rather than strict numerical or geographic restrictions. In reality, the claim of prioritizing quality over quantity however does not mean to restrict the growth of units (quantity). It is a vague promise to improve conditions on the island - it sounds good.
It provides a frame to continue expanding, while maintaining or improving standards. In Funchal, where affordable housing is scarce, the strategy allows short-term rental companies to increase units for tourists while avoiding the appearance of contributing to societal decline, which is the real consequence.
Sensors and Monitoring Maintain Appearances While Supporting Expansion
The company says it uses noise and occupancy sensors in multi-family buildings to prevent disturbances to residents. While these tools reduce immediate conflicts, they do not address the core issue: the disproportionate allocation of housing to short-term rentals rather than long-term residents.
The focus on monitoring guest behavior serves to protect a company’s reputation and profits while leaving the local housing crisis unchallenged. Who needs noise sensors if they can’t afford a roof over their head?
Stop Whitewashing, Start Contributing to Solving Problems
By positioning Madeira as a national model for local accommodation policies, the company claims its careful approach to tourism management. However, the emphasis on “quality over quantity” primarily functions as a public relations strategy. It allows growth and profit while sidestepping the consequences for local residents.
In what should finally be seen as a critical housing crisis, further growth in number of units is currently not sustainable, nor is it in the interest of the people who live here.
For short-term rental companies who seek to grow: address the housing shortage and put pressure on authorities to provide affordable housing - don’t whitewash problems claiming noise sensors and ‘quality’ rhetoric. Solving these most pressing challenges is the only legit way to claim further growth.
Source: Diário de Notícias Madeira
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