Controversy Surrounds Madeira's €500,000 Event in the U.S.

The Autonomous Region of Madeira is under scrutiny as details emerge about a high-profile promotional event scheduled for June 2026 in Washington D.C. The event, organized by the Associação de Promoção da Madeira (APM), aims to promote the Madeira brand in the United States. However, the Liberal Initiative (IL) has raised concerns about the event's significant costs, estimated to reach up to €500,000, excluding VAT.

The event is set to feature a wine tasting and a dinner at the residence of the Portuguese Ambassador in Washington, expecting around 350 guests. This prestigious gathering will include the President of Madeira's Regional Government and the Secretary of Regional Tourism, Environment, and Culture.

IL's main concern revolves around the financial justification and expected return on such a substantial investment. Gonçalo Maia Camelo, a Deputy from IL Madeira, questions the tangible benefits of this event, asking for clarity on previous similar events and their outcomes in terms of promoting tourism to Madeira.

The planned budget covers various expenses, including travel and accommodation, venue decoration, catering services featuring Madeiran chefs, gifts for attendees, and hiring an actor to portray George Washington. Each guest's cost could potentially amount to €1,400.

The Liberal Initiative also questions the selection of Washington D.C. as the venue, noting that the city is not a traditional hub for tourism trade. They seek assurances about the invited guests' relevance to the tourism sector and how the event will enhance Madeira's appeal as a tourist destination.

This development has sparked a broader debate on the accountability and transparency of public spending in promotional activities, with calls for detailed reports on the event's commercial and financial impact.

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