The Madeira Islands Open at Santo da Serra has been added to next year's European Tour golf schedule.

Defending champion Ricardo Santos will attempt to secure the title for a second time in 2013 and the tour's chief operating officer Keith Waters has welcomed the decision.

"The fact Ricardo has been named Rookie of the Year will serve to increase the excitement as we look forward to next year's renewal," Waters said in a statement.

President of the golf club Antonio Henriques added: "It is with great pleasure that we will host the 21st edition of the Madeira Islands Open on our Championship Course, which was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and welcomes visitors all year round.

"May is the month of the flower festival which celebrates Madeira's natural beauty, so it is a perfect time to visit the island."

The 21st edition of the tournament will run from May 16 to May 19 and carries a prize fund of £545,000, which will count towards The Race to Dubai and Challenge Tour Rankings.