Madeira to showcase luxury offering at B2B event

Madeira is to host almost 150 luxury travel suppliers and buyers next month at a new two-day showcase organised by B2B travel event specialist Connections next month.

Connections is part of the portfolio of Travel Weekly owner Jacobs Media Group, and specialises in creating business relationships through memorable shared experiences in destinations.

Connections Luxury in Madeira will take place at Belmond’s five-star Reid’s Palace hotel in Funchal from June 26-29 and will feature high-end hotels, boutique properties, experience providers and destination management companies.

They will meet luxury buyers from within Connections’ global community and will also take part in a leadership ‘ConnecTALKS’ session led by luxury consultant António Paraíso.

Sponsors of the event include Madeira Promotion Bureau; Reid’s Palace, a Belmond Hotel; Savoy Palace; DMC Madeira and Quinta Jardins do Lago.

Eduardo Jesus, regional secretary for tourism and culture and president of the Madeira Promotion Bureau, said: “Hosting Connections Luxury in Madeira is a unique opportunity to share what our destination has to offer.

“Above all, it is a great moment to surprise all delegates that will attend this important event, where they will have a direct contact with our diversity, hospitality, gastronomy, cultural traditions and history. We hope this event will help us in repositioning and affirming Madeira as a destination for the luxury segment.”

He added: “Madeira has unique characteristics, and it is this identity that highlights a qualified offer at all levels, and which will be reinforced with the work we are developing in the current year relating to the sustainability certification of the destination.

“In June, we aim to highlight everything that differentiates Madeira from all other destinations, and we will be delighted to welcome an important event like Connections.”

Greg Reeves, managing director of Connections Luxury, said: “Madeira has a quiet confidence which is incredibly compelling for the luxury traveller and it continues to be recognised as a leading island destination, full of truly unique experiences and cultural influences.

“We’re excited to be hosting Connections Luxury in Madeira this summer, welcoming our global members to meet through a unique and dynamic agenda in a spectacular setting. We are partnering with Madeira’s finest, so anyone joining us is in for a true delight.”