Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Berta Cabral considera SIMIFTA um marco estratégico na modernização da gestão turística regional
Berta Cabral considera SIMIFTA um marco estratégico na modernização da gestão turística regional
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Governo dos Açores reitera importância do fim dos rateios e destaca impacto de investimento recorde na agricultura
Governo dos Açores reitera importância do fim dos rateios e destaca impacto de investimento recorde na agricultura
Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades
Registration for Journalism and Artificial Intelligence training courses opens today
Registration for Journalism and Artificial Intelligence training courses opens today
Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights commitment to quality as key to tourism success in the Azores
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights commitment to quality as key to tourism success in the Azores
Nota de Imprensa
February 26, 2026 Berta Cabral considera SIMIFTA um marco estratégico na modernização da gestão turística regional A Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas, Berta Cabral, promoveu esta quarta-feira, em Lisboa, a apresentação do SIMIFTA – Sistema Integrado de Monitorização Inteligente de Fluxos Turísticos, no âmbito da BTL, destacando-o como “um marco estratégico na modernização da gestão turística regional”. Segundo a governante, esta ferramenta “ao disponibilizar informação fiável e em tempo real sobre o comportamento dos visitantes, reforça a capacidade de tomada de decisão informada, contribuindo para uma gestão mais sustentável, equilibrada e inteligente do destino Açores”. O SIMIFTA representa uma abordagem inovadora baseada em dados, permitindo conhecer, prever e gerir os fluxos turísticos com maior rigor e eficiência. Berta Cabral realça ainda que “a integração tecnológica e a colaboração entre entidades públicas e privadas conferem ao projeto um carácter transversal e estruturante, essencial para concretizar os objetivos definidos no PEMTA 2030, nomeadamente nas áreas da sustentabilidade, qualidade, competitividade e coesão territorial”. A governante acrescenta que o SIMIFTA posiciona a Região “na vanguarda da monitorização turística inteligente, promovendo um modelo de desenvolvimento mais equilibrado, inovador e orientado para o futuro do turismo regional”. O portal MONITOR, acessível em https://monitor.azores.gov.pt, será a plataforma central de tratamento e disponibilização dos dados recolhidos para cada um dos 27 indicadores do SIMIFTA. A informação bruta é automaticamente processada, validada e convertida em análises operacionais e estratégicas, disponibilizadas através de ‘dashboards’ interativos. Estas visualizações facilitam a interpretação de grandes volumes de dados, permitindo identificar tendências, padrões e situações que exijam resposta imediata. A plataforma fornecerá dados em tempo real sobre perfis, mobilidade e padrões de visitação nas nove ilhas, reforçando o apoio a decisões orientadas para a sustentabilidade e equilíbrio do destino. O projeto é financiado pelo Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR), no âmbito do Sistema de Incentivos à Modernização Administrativa. A arquitetura técnica do SIMIFTA combina sensorização inteligente, análise preditiva com Inteligência Artificial e ’dashboards’ interativos, permitindo monitorizar fluxos em tempo real, prever impactos através de ‘machine learning’ e apoiar decisões estratégicas sustentadas em indicadores objetivos. O sistema integra 27 indicadores, distribuídos por cinco dimensões: perfil do visitante, permanência e mobilidade; economia, contexto espacial e presença digital. Entre os indicadores encontram-se: ponto de entrada e saída; perfil sociodemográfico; poder de compra; literacia digital; preferências turísticas; duração da visita; padrões de mobilidade; operações financeiras; comportamento digital; condições meteorológicas; número de pessoas e veículos por período temporal, entre outros. Os indicadores são alimentados por dados de mais de 15 entidades parceiras, incluindo Vodafone, aeroportos, VisitAzores, INE/SREA, municípios, operadores turísticos e empresas do setor privado. Complementarmente, foram instalados equipamentos de sensorização inteligente em 27 Pontos de Interesse Turístico nas nove ilhas, permitindo reportar em tempo real os fluxos de visitação.
February 26, 2026 Berta Cabral considera SIMIFTA um marco estratégico na modernização da gestão turística regional A Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas, Berta Cabral, promoveu esta quarta-feira, em Lisboa, a apresentação do SIMIFTA – Sistema Integrado de Monitorização Inteligente de Fluxos Turísticos, no âmbito da BTL, destacando-o como “um marco estratégico na modernização da gestão turística regional”. Segundo a governante, esta ferramenta “ao disponibilizar informação fiável e em tempo real sobre o comportamento dos visitantes, reforça a capacidade de tomada de decisão informada, contribuindo para uma gestão mais sustentável, equilibrada e inteligente do destino Açores”. O SIMIFTA representa uma abordagem inovadora baseada em dados, permitindo conhecer, prever e gerir os fluxos turísticos com maior rigor e eficiência. Berta Cabral realça ainda que “a integração tecnológica e a colaboração entre entidades públicas e privadas conferem ao projeto um carácter transversal e estruturante, essencial para concretizar os objetivos definidos no PEMTA 2030, nomeadamente nas áreas da sustentabilidade, qualidade, competitividade e coesão territorial”. A governante acrescenta que o SIMIFTA posiciona a Região “na vanguarda da monitorização turística inteligente, promovendo um modelo de desenvolvimento mais equilibrado, inovador e orientado para o futuro do turismo regional”. O portal MONITOR, acessível em https://monitor.azores.gov.pt, será a plataforma central de tratamento e disponibilização dos dados recolhidos para cada um dos 27 indicadores do SIMIFTA. A informação bruta é automaticamente processada, validada e convertida em análises operacionais e estratégicas, disponibilizadas através de ‘dashboards’ interativos. Estas visualizações facilitam a interpretação de grandes volumes de dados, permitindo identificar tendências, padrões e situações que exijam resposta imediata. A plataforma fornecerá dados em tempo real sobre perfis, mobilidade e padrões de visitação nas nove ilhas, reforçando o apoio a decisões orientadas para a sustentabilidade e equilíbrio do destino. O projeto é financiado pelo Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR), no âmbito do Sistema de Incentivos à Modernização Administrativa. A arquitetura técnica do SIMIFTA combina sensorização inteligente, análise preditiva com Inteligência Artificial e ’dashboards’ interativos, permitindo monitorizar fluxos em tempo real, prever impactos através de ‘machine learning’ e apoiar decisões estratégicas sustentadas em indicadores objetivos. O sistema integra 27 indicadores, distribuídos por cinco dimensões: perfil do visitante, permanência e mobilidade; economia, contexto espacial e presença digital. Entre os indicadores encontram-se: ponto de entrada e saída; perfil sociodemográfico; poder de compra; literacia digital; preferências turísticas; duração da visita; padrões de mobilidade; operações financeiras; comportamento digital; condições meteorológicas; número de pessoas e veículos por período temporal, entre outros. Os indicadores são alimentados por dados de mais de 15 entidades parceiras, incluindo Vodafone, aeroportos, VisitAzores, INE/SREA, municípios, operadores turísticos e empresas do setor privado. Complementarmente, foram instalados equipamentos de sensorização inteligente em 27 Pontos de Interesse Turístico nas nove ilhas, permitindo reportar em tempo real os fluxos de visitação.
Nota de Imprensa
February 25, 2026 Governo dos Açores reitera importância do fim dos rateios e destaca impacto de investimento recorde na agricultura O Secretário Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação, António Ventura, garantiu hoje, na Assembleia Legislativa da Região Autónoma dos Açores, que o Governo dos Açores de coligação PSD/CDS-PP/PPM instituiu uma "nova era de confiança e previsibilidade no setor agrícola", marcada pelo fim definitivo dos cortes nos apoios públicos e pela implementação, inédita, de um calendário de pagamentos regionais. Durante a sua intervenção, António Ventura sublinhou que a opção política de garantir o pagamento a 100% dos prémios aos agricultores contrasta com o passado socialista, garantindo agora um verdadeiro planeamento financeiro às explorações agropecuárias da Região. O governante destacou que 2025 representou o maior investimento de sempre do Orçamento Regional na agricultura, atingindo os 60 milhões de euros, montante ao qual se somaram 16 milhões de euros do Orçamento do Estado para o complemento do POSEI. Este esforço financeiro traduziu-se num crescimento expressivo das produções locais. António Ventura revelou que a área de milho para alimentação animal atingiu um recorde de 15 mil hectares, promovendo a autonomia energética e alimentar da Região. Ao nível da produção de carne, o executivo atribuiu, nos últimos cinco anos, três mil novos direitos de vacas aleitantes, uma medida estratégica para combater o défice de produção nacional. Adicionalmente, o fim dos limites no gasóleo agrícola e o apoio à aquisição de sementes revelaram-se fundamentais para a produtividade do setor. A transição ambiental foi outro dos focos da intervenção em plenário - em apenas quatro anos, a área dedicada à agricultura biológica nos Açores "deu um salto histórico", passando de 1.100 para 5.300 hectares, a par do apoio à instalação de mais de dois mil hectares de pastagens biodiversas. No que respeita à renovação geracional, o titular da pasta da Agricultura sublinhou que a duplicação do prémio à primeira instalação resultou num recorde na fixação de jovens no setor, com 86 novos agricultores instalados em 2025, o valor mais alto da última década. António Ventura recordou ainda a celeridade na regularização de processos pendentes, como a resolução de penalizações europeias no parcelário que ameaçavam o rendimento de 1.300 agricultores, bem como a criação de suplementos extraordinários de mais de nove milhões de euros para compensar perdas no setor. A transparência da atual governação foi também enfatizada: atualmente, através do Portal do Governo dos Açores, a informação diária sobre pagamentos, calendários, candidaturas e legislação chega de forma direta e acessível a todos os interessados. “O dinheiro dos contribuintes está a ter retorno, não só para o rendimento do produtor, mas para a alimentação acessível dos açorianos”, concluiu António Ventura, frisando que, num mundo em turbulência, o aumento das produções regionais garante uma maior segurança alimentar e reduz a dependência de importações.
February 25, 2026 Governo dos Açores reitera importância do fim dos rateios e destaca impacto de investimento recorde na agricultura O Secretário Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação, António Ventura, garantiu hoje, na Assembleia Legislativa da Região Autónoma dos Açores, que o Governo dos Açores de coligação PSD/CDS-PP/PPM instituiu uma "nova era de confiança e previsibilidade no setor agrícola", marcada pelo fim definitivo dos cortes nos apoios públicos e pela implementação, inédita, de um calendário de pagamentos regionais. Durante a sua intervenção, António Ventura sublinhou que a opção política de garantir o pagamento a 100% dos prémios aos agricultores contrasta com o passado socialista, garantindo agora um verdadeiro planeamento financeiro às explorações agropecuárias da Região. O governante destacou que 2025 representou o maior investimento de sempre do Orçamento Regional na agricultura, atingindo os 60 milhões de euros, montante ao qual se somaram 16 milhões de euros do Orçamento do Estado para o complemento do POSEI. Este esforço financeiro traduziu-se num crescimento expressivo das produções locais. António Ventura revelou que a área de milho para alimentação animal atingiu um recorde de 15 mil hectares, promovendo a autonomia energética e alimentar da Região. Ao nível da produção de carne, o executivo atribuiu, nos últimos cinco anos, três mil novos direitos de vacas aleitantes, uma medida estratégica para combater o défice de produção nacional. Adicionalmente, o fim dos limites no gasóleo agrícola e o apoio à aquisição de sementes revelaram-se fundamentais para a produtividade do setor. A transição ambiental foi outro dos focos da intervenção em plenário - em apenas quatro anos, a área dedicada à agricultura biológica nos Açores "deu um salto histórico", passando de 1.100 para 5.300 hectares, a par do apoio à instalação de mais de dois mil hectares de pastagens biodiversas. No que respeita à renovação geracional, o titular da pasta da Agricultura sublinhou que a duplicação do prémio à primeira instalação resultou num recorde na fixação de jovens no setor, com 86 novos agricultores instalados em 2025, o valor mais alto da última década. António Ventura recordou ainda a celeridade na regularização de processos pendentes, como a resolução de penalizações europeias no parcelário que ameaçavam o rendimento de 1.300 agricultores, bem como a criação de suplementos extraordinários de mais de nove milhões de euros para compensar perdas no setor. A transparência da atual governação foi também enfatizada: atualmente, através do Portal do Governo dos Açores, a informação diária sobre pagamentos, calendários, candidaturas e legislação chega de forma direta e acessível a todos os interessados. “O dinheiro dos contribuintes está a ter retorno, não só para o rendimento do produtor, mas para a alimentação acessível dos açorianos”, concluiu António Ventura, frisando que, num mundo em turbulência, o aumento das produções regionais garante uma maior segurança alimentar e reduz a dependência de importações.
Nota de Imprensa
February 25, 2026 Registration for Journalism and Artificial Intelligence training courses opens today Registration is now open for a new training course for journalists on "Journalism and Artificial Intelligence." Like similar initiatives in 2025, the course is developed and accredited by the Protocol Centre for Professional Training for Journalists (CENJOR). This initiative, part of a series of responses implemented by the Regional Government in the media sector, will take place in a hybrid format – online and in person – during March. The online component will take place on March 3, 10, 17 and 24, while the in-person sessions will be held on March 20 and 21 in Ponta Delgada. Registration is open until Sunday, March 1. Registrations can be made via the website of CENJOR - Protocol Centre for Professional Training for Journalists, available at: https://portal.cenjor.pt/courseaction/subscribe/2468.personal. The training will be conducted by Ana Pinto Martinho, a journalist specialising in information and communication technologies, who is also, among other activities, a lecturer at ISCTE ( University Institute of Lisbon), and Paulo Agostinho, a staff member at the Lusa news agency, where he has been an editor in various areas, and a lecturer at the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, ISCTE and ISEC (higher education institute) in the fields of journalism, media literacy and new technologies. This course follows on from the success of two training courses held in 2025, focused on economic journalism and journalism in disaster scenarios, which were attended by more than 40 professionals from the sector. The Regional Government intends to continue improving the qualifications of journalists by providing training, completely free of charge, to all journalists residing in the Azores, including professionals from both the private and public sectors (RTP, Antena 1, and the Lusa news agency). With a view to ensuring territorial cohesion and equal access, the Regional Government provides travel and accommodation for journalists outside São Miguel, ensuring vacancies for professionals from all islands, including Flores and Corvo. The programme content was defined in conjunction with CENJOR and the Regional Board of the Azorean Journalists' Union, a strategic partner in this project. Any requests for clarification can be sent to CENJOR, via email at [email protected], or to the Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities. This training is one of the four fundamental axes of the “Plan for the Azorean Media,” created by the Regional Government of the Azores to support the sector. The plan also includes the Media Incentive System (SIM), the purchase of institutional advertising packages from newspapers and radio stations, and the subscription of publications acquired by the Region, for distribution in schools and Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS).
February 25, 2026 Registration for Journalism and Artificial Intelligence training courses opens today Registration is now open for a new training course for journalists on "Journalism and Artificial Intelligence." Like similar initiatives in 2025, the course is developed and accredited by the Protocol Centre for Professional Training for Journalists (CENJOR). This initiative, part of a series of responses implemented by the Regional Government in the media sector, will take place in a hybrid format – online and in person – during March. The online component will take place on March 3, 10, 17 and 24, while the in-person sessions will be held on March 20 and 21 in Ponta Delgada. Registration is open until Sunday, March 1. Registrations can be made via the website of CENJOR - Protocol Centre for Professional Training for Journalists, available at: https://portal.cenjor.pt/courseaction/subscribe/2468.personal. The training will be conducted by Ana Pinto Martinho, a journalist specialising in information and communication technologies, who is also, among other activities, a lecturer at ISCTE ( University Institute of Lisbon), and Paulo Agostinho, a staff member at the Lusa news agency, where he has been an editor in various areas, and a lecturer at the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, ISCTE and ISEC (higher education institute) in the fields of journalism, media literacy and new technologies. This course follows on from the success of two training courses held in 2025, focused on economic journalism and journalism in disaster scenarios, which were attended by more than 40 professionals from the sector. The Regional Government intends to continue improving the qualifications of journalists by providing training, completely free of charge, to all journalists residing in the Azores, including professionals from both the private and public sectors (RTP, Antena 1, and the Lusa news agency). With a view to ensuring territorial cohesion and equal access, the Regional Government provides travel and accommodation for journalists outside São Miguel, ensuring vacancies for professionals from all islands, including Flores and Corvo. The programme content was defined in conjunction with CENJOR and the Regional Board of the Azorean Journalists' Union, a strategic partner in this project. Any requests for clarification can be sent to CENJOR, via email at [email protected], or to the Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities. This training is one of the four fundamental axes of the “Plan for the Azorean Media,” created by the Regional Government of the Azores to support the sector. The plan also includes the Media Incentive System (SIM), the purchase of institutional advertising packages from newspapers and radio stations, and the subscription of publications acquired by the Region, for distribution in schools and Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS).
Nota de Imprensa
February 25, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights commitment to quality as key to tourism success in the Azores The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the official opening session of the Azores stand at BTL 2026 – Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market, which runs until Sunday, March 1, at the Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre (FIL). The ceremony was attended by the mayors of the Azores, as well as representatives of Azorean companies, associations and tour operators present at the event, in a moment that symbolised institutional and business cooperation for the promotion of the Azores as a destination. The head of the Azorean Government stressed that the recent path of regional tourism is the result of a clear strategic choice: focusing on quality, added value and differentiation, rather than seeking only volume growth. "We have been able to look strategically at the development economy not in terms of its quantitative value, but rather in terms of its qualitative value. It is for this reason that we are reaching levels of excellence, along with income," he stated. The figures presented by the President of the Government evidence this evolution. The income forecast for 2019 was €104 million; currently, this figure stands at €206 million, representing an increase of 97%. There has also been significant growth in air mobility: 2.3 million passengers landed, compared to 1.7 million in 2019, representing a growth of about 40%. The RevPAR (revenue per available room) was another key indicator. It grew by 72%, showing that the sector's growth is based on improving the offer, not just on increasing visitor figures. For the President of the Regional Government, it is precisely this focus on authenticity, historical identity, and quality of experience that makes the Azores a top tourist destination. José Manuel Bolieiro also acknowledged the public and private entities that have contributed to these results, emphasising that the success achieved stems from joint efforts. "We are proud of this representation. We feel motivated and confident to carry on," he said. In a speech that also encompassed a political component, the head of the Azorean Government warned of the importance of avoiding overly pessimistic views in the face of occasional fluctuations, defending that 2026 should be regarded as a year of resilience and confidence. "We must abandon the dramatic pessimism when there are small variations. They are not contributing to growth," he said, stressing that the Region must remain focused on consolidating results. The President of the Azorean Government reiterated that tourism is the real driving force behind the Azorean economy. In 2023, the sector generated €889 million in wealth, representing around 20% of the regional Gross Value Added (GVA), 17% of Gross Domestic Product and 17% of employment in the Region. "This is a great achievement. It is motivating, and we are proud of this result," he said. Over the five days of BTL, the Azores stand will host presentations by municipalities, business meetings, promotional activities and initiatives for direct contact with operators and the general public, highlighting the territorial, cultural and tourist diversity of the nine islands. The increased participation in the country's largest tourism fair thus reflects the continuity of an external promotion strategy seeking to consolidate markets, attract new segments, and establish the Azores as a sustainable and differentiated destination with high added value.
February 25, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights commitment to quality as key to tourism success in the Azores The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the official opening session of the Azores stand at BTL 2026 – Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market, which runs until Sunday, March 1, at the Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre (FIL). The ceremony was attended by the mayors of the Azores, as well as representatives of Azorean companies, associations and tour operators present at the event, in a moment that symbolised institutional and business cooperation for the promotion of the Azores as a destination. The head of the Azorean Government stressed that the recent path of regional tourism is the result of a clear strategic choice: focusing on quality, added value and differentiation, rather than seeking only volume growth. "We have been able to look strategically at the development economy not in terms of its quantitative value, but rather in terms of its qualitative value. It is for this reason that we are reaching levels of excellence, along with income," he stated. The figures presented by the President of the Government evidence this evolution. The income forecast for 2019 was €104 million; currently, this figure stands at €206 million, representing an increase of 97%. There has also been significant growth in air mobility: 2.3 million passengers landed, compared to 1.7 million in 2019, representing a growth of about 40%. The RevPAR (revenue per available room) was another key indicator. It grew by 72%, showing that the sector's growth is based on improving the offer, not just on increasing visitor figures. For the President of the Regional Government, it is precisely this focus on authenticity, historical identity, and quality of experience that makes the Azores a top tourist destination. José Manuel Bolieiro also acknowledged the public and private entities that have contributed to these results, emphasising that the success achieved stems from joint efforts. "We are proud of this representation. We feel motivated and confident to carry on," he said. In a speech that also encompassed a political component, the head of the Azorean Government warned of the importance of avoiding overly pessimistic views in the face of occasional fluctuations, defending that 2026 should be regarded as a year of resilience and confidence. "We must abandon the dramatic pessimism when there are small variations. They are not contributing to growth," he said, stressing that the Region must remain focused on consolidating results. The President of the Azorean Government reiterated that tourism is the real driving force behind the Azorean economy. In 2023, the sector generated €889 million in wealth, representing around 20% of the regional Gross Value Added (GVA), 17% of Gross Domestic Product and 17% of employment in the Region. "This is a great achievement. It is motivating, and we are proud of this result," he said. Over the five days of BTL, the Azores stand will host presentations by municipalities, business meetings, promotional activities and initiatives for direct contact with operators and the general public, highlighting the territorial, cultural and tourist diversity of the nine islands. The increased participation in the country's largest tourism fair thus reflects the continuity of an external promotion strategy seeking to consolidate markets, attract new segments, and establish the Azores as a sustainable and differentiated destination with high added value.
Nota de Imprensa
February 25, 2026 Sofia Ribeiro guarantees "honest and proximity policy" with Azorean clubs "Honest and accessible politics has this prerogative: converging. In light of the argument put forward by Azorean clubs that they need more time for systemic reform to guarantee the necessary predictability for launching a sporting season guided by stability, we have revisited the previously presented schedule," stated the government official. Sofia Ribeiro spoke during a debate at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. On the occasion, she called for a "constructive dialogue" so that "priorities, criteria and obligations in the allocation of sports funding can be defined in a participatory manner, with a view to promoting physical and sporting activities" in the Azores. "Aware that predictability in planning is an important key to success, we have decided to maintain support for tourism relevance throughout the 2026/2027 season as well, but we acknowledge the urgent need for its revision. In other words, we are not eliminating support, but rather reformulating it," she stated. She continued: "We are already working on changing the framework for support in this area, so that it covers individual and collective participation in regional and national competitions and championships, different competitive levels and categories, different teams, and the specific logistical needs of each sport, particularly regarding the transport of equipment and animals. The scope of the revision extends to the current and most varied support programmes, such as training and competition activities, and training levels.” The commitment involves engaging the sporting community in a "broad discussion conducive towards better alignment with regional needs as a whole," she stated. “In fact, we have already started doing so. Last week, we invited the clubs competing in the top tiers of the national championships, already benefitting from support for tourism relevance from the Regional Directorate for Sport, to a meeting, where we made a commitment to maintain this support throughout the 2026/2027 season. We have already begun the process of revising it, intending to incorporate criteria for sporting practice that will enable the consolidation of training levels, investment in athletes trained in the Azores, and the promotion of regular physical activity and healthy lifestyles," she pointed out. The Regional Secretary explained that clubs have agreed to present a list of principles and goals that should be included in the development of a strategic sports development plan that safeguards their competitive needs, linking it to high-quality sports training for athletes in the Azores. "At a later stage, we will open the debate to associations representing several sports and, through them, to different sports clubs, as well as to the community, as we are already informing associations," she emphasised. Sofia Ribeiro also regretted that the Socialist Party, which "has every right to discuss the allocation of funds" to "Palavra Açores," did not do so "on three formal occasions" at the Legislative Assembly. "Neither at my hearing, during the presentation of the draft plan at the beginning of last November, nor at the legislative session where this document was debated and voted on, and even less so at the last legislative session, where we debated support for clubs, did the Socialist Party question me about the reduction in investment in sport in this year of major budget demands," she stressed. She added: “The sole concerns of the Socialist Party, and its only two proposals for budget amendments, concern sports infrastructures. They did not want to know about the ‘Palavra Açores’ programme, nor about other areas of sports investment. (...) Therefore, the Socialist Party, which either knew and let it pass, or did not know and did not want to know, loses all credibility by questioning the ethics with which we carry out our governmental mission."
February 25, 2026 Sofia Ribeiro guarantees "honest and proximity policy" with Azorean clubs "Honest and accessible politics has this prerogative: converging. In light of the argument put forward by Azorean clubs that they need more time for systemic reform to guarantee the necessary predictability for launching a sporting season guided by stability, we have revisited the previously presented schedule," stated the government official. Sofia Ribeiro spoke during a debate at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. On the occasion, she called for a "constructive dialogue" so that "priorities, criteria and obligations in the allocation of sports funding can be defined in a participatory manner, with a view to promoting physical and sporting activities" in the Azores. "Aware that predictability in planning is an important key to success, we have decided to maintain support for tourism relevance throughout the 2026/2027 season as well, but we acknowledge the urgent need for its revision. In other words, we are not eliminating support, but rather reformulating it," she stated. She continued: "We are already working on changing the framework for support in this area, so that it covers individual and collective participation in regional and national competitions and championships, different competitive levels and categories, different teams, and the specific logistical needs of each sport, particularly regarding the transport of equipment and animals. The scope of the revision extends to the current and most varied support programmes, such as training and competition activities, and training levels.” The commitment involves engaging the sporting community in a "broad discussion conducive towards better alignment with regional needs as a whole," she stated. “In fact, we have already started doing so. Last week, we invited the clubs competing in the top tiers of the national championships, already benefitting from support for tourism relevance from the Regional Directorate for Sport, to a meeting, where we made a commitment to maintain this support throughout the 2026/2027 season. We have already begun the process of revising it, intending to incorporate criteria for sporting practice that will enable the consolidation of training levels, investment in athletes trained in the Azores, and the promotion of regular physical activity and healthy lifestyles," she pointed out. The Regional Secretary explained that clubs have agreed to present a list of principles and goals that should be included in the development of a strategic sports development plan that safeguards their competitive needs, linking it to high-quality sports training for athletes in the Azores. "At a later stage, we will open the debate to associations representing several sports and, through them, to different sports clubs, as well as to the community, as we are already informing associations," she emphasised. Sofia Ribeiro also regretted that the Socialist Party, which "has every right to discuss the allocation of funds" to "Palavra Açores," did not do so "on three formal occasions" at the Legislative Assembly. "Neither at my hearing, during the presentation of the draft plan at the beginning of last November, nor at the legislative session where this document was debated and voted on, and even less so at the last legislative session, where we debated support for clubs, did the Socialist Party question me about the reduction in investment in sport in this year of major budget demands," she stressed. She added: “The sole concerns of the Socialist Party, and its only two proposals for budget amendments, concern sports infrastructures. They did not want to know about the ‘Palavra Açores’ programme, nor about other areas of sports investment. (...) Therefore, the Socialist Party, which either knew and let it pass, or did not know and did not want to know, loses all credibility by questioning the ethics with which we carry out our governmental mission."
