Meet Maria João Dória, Director of Sales and Promotion, New Travel agency

What are Madeira's attractions?
Maria João Dória - In Madeira, you can combine nature, culture and gastronomy. The destination is not well known to the French, although the island can be reached fairly easily via Porto or Lisbon, and even by direct flight with certain airlines. It's an island where groups can enjoy both the sea and the mountains. With our fast roads, it's easy to get around. What's more, temperatures are mild all year round and the water is around 18°C, although the best periods are March to May and September to November.

What types of incentives do you receive and for how long?
MR J. D. - We receive small groups of around twenty people, but more often these are events bringing together around 200 people. Most of the time, they come from the pharmaceutical or automotive industries, but also from banks or insurance companies. They stay an average of four days and three nights on site.

What kind of activities do you offer?
MR J. D. - They range from a catamaran trip to watch the dolphins to an excursion into the interior of the island to discover nature. You can also sail around the Desertas Islands, a bird and monk seal reserve, or organise a treasure hunt in the Monte Garden, team building on the beach at Porto Santo, a visit to the market to taste tropical fruit, or visit the cellars to taste Madeira wines.

And sports activities such as golf, windsurfing, mountain biking, water scooters and Segways are a big hit. Not to mention a sharp rise in requests for culinary workshops.