Operators are reassuring customers that it is “business as usual” in Madeira after the island was hit by severe storms and floods at the weekend.
One British woman and more than 40 locals were killed as muddy water coursed through the streets of the capital Funchal on Saturday. A clean-up operation is now underway as the island tries to get back to normal.
Operators said few clients were affected as most of the hotels are outside the capital. Classic Collection managing director Nick Munday had 150 clients in the destination.
“Our hotels are up in the hills around Funchal or along the coast, so they weren’t affected. By Sunday, our clients were out enjoying themselves again,” Munday said.
He said Madeira was very reliant on tourism and urged UK holidaymakers not to cancel their trips.
“Some of our customers are worried and we’re being sympathetic, but we are encouraging people to travel. It was a shocking and sad situation but things are calming down and there is no reason to put off holiday plans.”
Prestige Holidays sales manager John Joinson said the operator had 35 clients on the island at the weekend. “On Sunday, our rep borrowed a motorbike and did a tour of the hotel. All our clients were fine, the only problem was that the shops were closed and the market was flooded.
“The streets were also very muddy and the petrol stations were closed so guests couldn’t tour the island.”
He said the floods should not deter clients with forward bookings. “British people are very resilient. They will take the view that it is unlikely to happen again.”