In a statement, the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility, and Infrastructure emphasised that tourism is currently "one of the most important sectors of the regional economy, with the capacity to leverage all others across the board."

"Tourism already contributes to over €1 billion in wealth creation on the nine islands, representing approximately 20% of regional GVA, 17% of GDP, and 17% of employment," noted Berta Cabral, quoted in a press release.

"The success and growth of tourism in the Azores continues to evolve in a healthy and sustainable manner, with the significant growth in overnight stays consistently outpaced by the growth in revenue," emphasized Berta Cabral in the statement released by the Azorean government (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM).

The regional secretary responsible for Tourism also highlights the sector's essential contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Azores.

Berta Cabral assured that the Azorean government "is working to reduce seasonality and create conditions for airlines to progressively expand their operations during the mid and low seasons."

On the other hand, it has sought to enhance the dispersion of tourist flows throughout the islands, working on and diversifying the product, such as the Azores Routes, Hiking Trails, thermal baths, and the Azores What's On Agenda," adds Berta Cabral, noting that the Azores "are essentially a nature destination."

Highlights

Among the investments highlighted by the governor is the Regional Network of Hiking Trails, which this year reached the milestone of 100 officially approved trails, reinforcing "the offering of one of the products that most contributes to establishing the Azores as a world-renowned destination for sustainable nature tourism."

Berta Cabral stated that this is "an ongoing challenge, which requires safety conditions, trail maintenance, land use planning, and user awareness."

The official also highlighted the commitment to quality professional training, accessible tourism, investment in road infrastructure and electricity generation, and the encouragement of innovation, "reinforcing the competitiveness and sustainability of tourism, as seen with the new intelligent flow monitoring project."

The minister noted that, in the last two years, the Azores were named the Best Adventure Tourism Destination in the World and Europe by the World Travel Awards, among several other awards and prizes, which "guarantees its affirmation as one of the most attractive destinations internationally."