Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Azorean Handicrafts distinguished at FIA Lisbon with pieces by Adolfo Mendonça, Carolina Medeiros and Marina Mendonça
Azorean Handicrafts distinguished at FIA Lisbon with pieces by Adolfo Mendonça, Carolina Medeiros and Marina Mendonça
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Regional Government and financial institutions halve interest rates on purchase of agricultural land
Regional Government and financial institutions halve interest rates on purchase of agricultural land
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Azores takes on leading role in preparation of National Nature Restoration Plan
Azores takes on leading role in preparation of National Nature Restoration Plan
Secretaria Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública
Regional Government honours commitment to businesses
Regional Government honours commitment to businesses
Nota de Imprensa
July 3, 2026 Azorean Handicrafts distinguished at FIA Lisbon with pieces by Adolfo Mendonça, Carolina Medeiros and Marina Mendonça Azorean Handicrafts were once again distinguished at this year’s International Handicraft Exhibition—FIA Lisboa 2026 with pieces by artisans Adolfo Mendonça, Carolina Medeiros and Marina Mendonça. Ceramicist Adolfo Mendonça, from Terceira Island, was awarded the 1st Prize in “Contemporary Crafts” for his piece “39ºC.” The work is crafted from marine elements characteristic of his art. It is a wake-up call regarding environmental issues, revealing the fragility of ecosystems and highlighting the impact of human activity on nature. Carolina Medeiros, from São Miguel Island, received an Honourable Mention in the “Contemporary Crafts” category for her piece “SUBT’L Wearable Architecture Necklace.” Its geometric composition in black, white and natural wood creates an interplay of shapes and patterns that highlights a minimalist, contemporary, and architecturally inspired aesthetic. Marina Mendonça, from Santa Maria Island, was also awarded an Honourable Mention in “Contemporary Crafts” for the “Pote Condessa,” a piece that combines traditional basketry techniques with a contemporary ceramic aesthetic. “The Government of the Azores congratulates the artisans honoured at FIA. This recognition is well-deserved and a source of great pride for the Azorean people,” stated Maria João Carreiro. The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing, and Employment praised a “new generation of artisans willing to embrace authenticity and uphold Azorean craft know-how in their work, infusing it with innovation and raising its profile both nationally and internationally. They are transforming tradition into a source of identity, culture, and economic value.” Maria João Carreiro also assured the Regional Government’s full commitment to “continue promoting the conditions for craft creation and production,” specifically through the Crafts and Design Centre of the Azores (CADA), a “public service of excellence that works continuously to promote artisans and their craft productions.” FIA Lisboa, the largest handicraft exhibition in the Iberian Peninsula, is taking place until Sunday, July 5, at Parque das Nações, and features 10 craft production units registered with CADA. Azorean craftspeople are exhibiting works featuring figurative ceramics, corn husks, fish scales, "lapinha" (sea-themed) nativity scenes, pottery, textiles, papercraft, and costume jewellery, thereby raising the profile of products certified under the "Azorean Handicrafts" collective brand.
July 3, 2026 Azorean Handicrafts distinguished at FIA Lisbon with pieces by Adolfo Mendonça, Carolina Medeiros and Marina Mendonça Azorean Handicrafts were once again distinguished at this year’s International Handicraft Exhibition—FIA Lisboa 2026 with pieces by artisans Adolfo Mendonça, Carolina Medeiros and Marina Mendonça. Ceramicist Adolfo Mendonça, from Terceira Island, was awarded the 1st Prize in “Contemporary Crafts” for his piece “39ºC.” The work is crafted from marine elements characteristic of his art. It is a wake-up call regarding environmental issues, revealing the fragility of ecosystems and highlighting the impact of human activity on nature. Carolina Medeiros, from São Miguel Island, received an Honourable Mention in the “Contemporary Crafts” category for her piece “SUBT’L Wearable Architecture Necklace.” Its geometric composition in black, white and natural wood creates an interplay of shapes and patterns that highlights a minimalist, contemporary, and architecturally inspired aesthetic. Marina Mendonça, from Santa Maria Island, was also awarded an Honourable Mention in “Contemporary Crafts” for the “Pote Condessa,” a piece that combines traditional basketry techniques with a contemporary ceramic aesthetic. “The Government of the Azores congratulates the artisans honoured at FIA. This recognition is well-deserved and a source of great pride for the Azorean people,” stated Maria João Carreiro. The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing, and Employment praised a “new generation of artisans willing to embrace authenticity and uphold Azorean craft know-how in their work, infusing it with innovation and raising its profile both nationally and internationally. They are transforming tradition into a source of identity, culture, and economic value.” Maria João Carreiro also assured the Regional Government’s full commitment to “continue promoting the conditions for craft creation and production,” specifically through the Crafts and Design Centre of the Azores (CADA), a “public service of excellence that works continuously to promote artisans and their craft productions.” FIA Lisboa, the largest handicraft exhibition in the Iberian Peninsula, is taking place until Sunday, July 5, at Parque das Nações, and features 10 craft production units registered with CADA. Azorean craftspeople are exhibiting works featuring figurative ceramics, corn husks, fish scales, "lapinha" (sea-themed) nativity scenes, pottery, textiles, papercraft, and costume jewellery, thereby raising the profile of products certified under the "Azorean Handicrafts" collective brand.
Nota de Imprensa
July 2, 2026 Regional Government and financial institutions halve interest rates on purchase of agricultural land The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, presided over the signing of the cooperation agreement between the Government of the Azores, through IROA, S.A., and two regional financial institutions. This measure, which is part of the Incentive Scheme for the Purchase of Agricultural Land (RICTA), reiterates the Azorean Government’s commitment to agricultural activity in the Region. The protocol was signed by Caixa de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo dos Açores and Caixa Económica da Misericórdia de Angra do Heroísmo, making them the first banking institutions to sign this updated cooperation agreement. The signing takes place precisely in the month marking the 18th anniversary of the publication of the Regional Legislative Decree no.23/2008/A of July 24, the legislation governing the incentive scheme for the purchase of agricultural land, commonly known as RICTA. In view of developments in the financial market since 2011, the Regional Government considered it appropriate to renew the protocols entered into with financial institutions. The aim is to reduce the spread applicable to transactions for the purchase of agricultural land covered by the support schemes managed by IROA. Consequently, the spread has been reset at 1.5%, as opposed to the 3% previously applied. This reduction also enables the IROA to increase its financial resources available to approve new applications under the agricultural land acquisition scheme. During the ceremony, António Ventura emphasised that the partnership with Caixa de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo dos Açores and Caixa Económica da Misericórdia de Angra do Heroísmo is “a clear sign of confidence on the part of financial institutions in the dynamics of Azorean agricultural entrepreneurs and the strategic importance of the agricultural sector for wealth generation and economic development in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.” The government official also stressed that facilitating access to credit “is essential for the progress of agrifood production, making the land the key asset for the economic viability and sustainability of agricultural holdings.” The Regional Secretary also pointed out that “the Azores are now producing more food from their own land, which is boosting the Region’s food security and contributing to increased self-sufficiency in food production for the local population." So far, 490 applications have been approved under the Credit Support Scheme for Land Acquisition (SICATE) and the Incentive Scheme for the Purchase of Agricultural Land (RICTA), covering a total area of 2,578.58 hectares. António Ventura also highlighted the role of IROA, S.A., particularly its President, Pedro Ribeiro, in implementing these support mechanisms and carrying out land management and structuring policies in the Region. “IROA, S.A. has been a key partner for Azorean farmers, ensuring close support, technical guidance and solutions that help improve the organisation of agricultural land and promote a more efficient and sustainable use of available resources,” he said. With this protocol update and the reduction in the financial costs associated with the acquisition of agricultural land, the Regional Government is strengthening its strategy towards modernisation, restructuring and sustainability of agricultural holdings, whilst promoting generational renewal and adding value to regional agrifood production.
July 2, 2026 Regional Government and financial institutions halve interest rates on purchase of agricultural land The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, presided over the signing of the cooperation agreement between the Government of the Azores, through IROA, S.A., and two regional financial institutions. This measure, which is part of the Incentive Scheme for the Purchase of Agricultural Land (RICTA), reiterates the Azorean Government’s commitment to agricultural activity in the Region. The protocol was signed by Caixa de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo dos Açores and Caixa Económica da Misericórdia de Angra do Heroísmo, making them the first banking institutions to sign this updated cooperation agreement. The signing takes place precisely in the month marking the 18th anniversary of the publication of the Regional Legislative Decree no.23/2008/A of July 24, the legislation governing the incentive scheme for the purchase of agricultural land, commonly known as RICTA. In view of developments in the financial market since 2011, the Regional Government considered it appropriate to renew the protocols entered into with financial institutions. The aim is to reduce the spread applicable to transactions for the purchase of agricultural land covered by the support schemes managed by IROA. Consequently, the spread has been reset at 1.5%, as opposed to the 3% previously applied. This reduction also enables the IROA to increase its financial resources available to approve new applications under the agricultural land acquisition scheme. During the ceremony, António Ventura emphasised that the partnership with Caixa de Crédito Agrícola Mútuo dos Açores and Caixa Económica da Misericórdia de Angra do Heroísmo is “a clear sign of confidence on the part of financial institutions in the dynamics of Azorean agricultural entrepreneurs and the strategic importance of the agricultural sector for wealth generation and economic development in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.” The government official also stressed that facilitating access to credit “is essential for the progress of agrifood production, making the land the key asset for the economic viability and sustainability of agricultural holdings.” The Regional Secretary also pointed out that “the Azores are now producing more food from their own land, which is boosting the Region’s food security and contributing to increased self-sufficiency in food production for the local population." So far, 490 applications have been approved under the Credit Support Scheme for Land Acquisition (SICATE) and the Incentive Scheme for the Purchase of Agricultural Land (RICTA), covering a total area of 2,578.58 hectares. António Ventura also highlighted the role of IROA, S.A., particularly its President, Pedro Ribeiro, in implementing these support mechanisms and carrying out land management and structuring policies in the Region. “IROA, S.A. has been a key partner for Azorean farmers, ensuring close support, technical guidance and solutions that help improve the organisation of agricultural land and promote a more efficient and sustainable use of available resources,” he said. With this protocol update and the reduction in the financial costs associated with the acquisition of agricultural land, the Regional Government is strengthening its strategy towards modernisation, restructuring and sustainability of agricultural holdings, whilst promoting generational renewal and adding value to regional agrifood production.
Nota de Imprensa
July 2, 2026 Azores takes on leading role in preparation of National Nature Restoration Plan The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, through the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action, held on Wednesday the second meeting of the Working Group set up in the Autonomous Region of the Azores for the presentation of the Region’s contributions to the National Nature Restoration Plan. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, praised the work carried out by the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action and the various bodies involved in the process. He noted that “the main results of a wide-ranging and technically demanding project, carried out over recent months, have been presented. This has enabled the Autonomous Region of the Azores to play a leading role in the preparation of the national proposal arising from Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 24, 2024, on Nature Restoration.” According to Alonso Miguel, “the Azores have made a very significant contribution to the development of the National Nature Restoration Plan, establishing themselves as a benchmark for the technical quality of the work done, their capacity for institutional coordination, and their mobilisation of a wide range of regional entities and experts.” The government official emphasised that the Regional Director for the Environment and Climate Action, Ana Rodrigues, coordinated the process. It was conducted in close collaboration with the government departments responsible for agriculture, rural development, forestry, maritime policy, fisheries and spatial planning, as well as with local authorities, representative associations, scientific institutions and civil society organisations. “From the very outset, we have sought to ensure a participatory and rigorous approach tailored to the reality of the Azores, drawing on scientific knowledge, experience gained on the ground, and the ecological, geographical and socio-economic specificities of the archipelago,” he said. Within the regional context, the work was organised into nine thematic sub-groups, covering areas such as terrestrial, marine, urban, agricultural and forest ecosystems, as well as pollinators and natural connectivity. This has led to the identification of specific restoration measures and the development of a solid contribution to the National Nature Restoration Plan. Among the key results achieved are the definition of specific measures for the Autonomous Region of the Azores, the adaptation of assessment and planning methodologies to the island context, and the confirmation of the great potential of the Azorean agricultural and forestry systems for carbon sequestration, soil conservation and the protection of biodiversity. Alonso Miguel also noted that “the Azores did not merely follow the national process, but made a decisive contribution to a solid, technically consistent and territorially tailored proposal, capable of addressing the challenges of nature conservation, climate change adaptation and the improvement of ecosystem services.” By 2050, the National Nature Restoration Plan envisages interventions across more than 1,000 square kilometres of protected habitats, agricultural, urban and forest ecosystems, and habitats essential for pollinators, as well as across about 300 square kilometres of marine habitats. The targets set at EU level include the restoration of 30% of degraded habitats by 2030, 60% by 2040 and more than 90% by 2050, as well as the gradual improvement of scientific knowledge regarding the conservation status of these habitats. The regulation also sets out specific targets for urban ecosystems, the recovery of pollinator populations and the improvement of ecological indicators in agricultural and forestry systems. Alonso Miguel explained that “the plan comprises 324 nationwide restoration measures, which also apply to the Azores, in addition to 56 measures specifically designed for the archipelago. These include actions to control and eradicate invasive species, the creation of nurseries for the production of indigenous and native species, the restoration of peatlands and other sensitive habitats, as well as passive restoration interventions in marine ecosystems through the regulation of activities in Marine Protected Areas.” The Regional Secretary emphasised that “the implementation of these measures represents an opportunity to bolster biodiversity conservation, increase the resilience of the Azorean territories to climate change and promote the sustainable management of natural resources, for the benefit of current and future generations.” The National Nature Restoration Plan will shortly be put out for public consultation, with a view to collecting input from civil society. It will subsequently be submitted to the European Commission by September 1, 2026, for technical assessment. The final version of the document is expected to be completed and submitted by September 1, 2027.
July 2, 2026 Azores takes on leading role in preparation of National Nature Restoration Plan The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, through the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action, held on Wednesday the second meeting of the Working Group set up in the Autonomous Region of the Azores for the presentation of the Region’s contributions to the National Nature Restoration Plan. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, praised the work carried out by the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action and the various bodies involved in the process. He noted that “the main results of a wide-ranging and technically demanding project, carried out over recent months, have been presented. This has enabled the Autonomous Region of the Azores to play a leading role in the preparation of the national proposal arising from Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 24, 2024, on Nature Restoration.” According to Alonso Miguel, “the Azores have made a very significant contribution to the development of the National Nature Restoration Plan, establishing themselves as a benchmark for the technical quality of the work done, their capacity for institutional coordination, and their mobilisation of a wide range of regional entities and experts.” The government official emphasised that the Regional Director for the Environment and Climate Action, Ana Rodrigues, coordinated the process. It was conducted in close collaboration with the government departments responsible for agriculture, rural development, forestry, maritime policy, fisheries and spatial planning, as well as with local authorities, representative associations, scientific institutions and civil society organisations. “From the very outset, we have sought to ensure a participatory and rigorous approach tailored to the reality of the Azores, drawing on scientific knowledge, experience gained on the ground, and the ecological, geographical and socio-economic specificities of the archipelago,” he said. Within the regional context, the work was organised into nine thematic sub-groups, covering areas such as terrestrial, marine, urban, agricultural and forest ecosystems, as well as pollinators and natural connectivity. This has led to the identification of specific restoration measures and the development of a solid contribution to the National Nature Restoration Plan. Among the key results achieved are the definition of specific measures for the Autonomous Region of the Azores, the adaptation of assessment and planning methodologies to the island context, and the confirmation of the great potential of the Azorean agricultural and forestry systems for carbon sequestration, soil conservation and the protection of biodiversity. Alonso Miguel also noted that “the Azores did not merely follow the national process, but made a decisive contribution to a solid, technically consistent and territorially tailored proposal, capable of addressing the challenges of nature conservation, climate change adaptation and the improvement of ecosystem services.” By 2050, the National Nature Restoration Plan envisages interventions across more than 1,000 square kilometres of protected habitats, agricultural, urban and forest ecosystems, and habitats essential for pollinators, as well as across about 300 square kilometres of marine habitats. The targets set at EU level include the restoration of 30% of degraded habitats by 2030, 60% by 2040 and more than 90% by 2050, as well as the gradual improvement of scientific knowledge regarding the conservation status of these habitats. The regulation also sets out specific targets for urban ecosystems, the recovery of pollinator populations and the improvement of ecological indicators in agricultural and forestry systems. Alonso Miguel explained that “the plan comprises 324 nationwide restoration measures, which also apply to the Azores, in addition to 56 measures specifically designed for the archipelago. These include actions to control and eradicate invasive species, the creation of nurseries for the production of indigenous and native species, the restoration of peatlands and other sensitive habitats, as well as passive restoration interventions in marine ecosystems through the regulation of activities in Marine Protected Areas.” The Regional Secretary emphasised that “the implementation of these measures represents an opportunity to bolster biodiversity conservation, increase the resilience of the Azorean territories to climate change and promote the sustainable management of natural resources, for the benefit of current and future generations.” The National Nature Restoration Plan will shortly be put out for public consultation, with a view to collecting input from civil society. It will subsequently be submitted to the European Commission by September 1, 2026, for technical assessment. The final version of the document is expected to be completed and submitted by September 1, 2027.
Nota de Imprensa
July 1, 2026 Regional Government honours commitment to businesses The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, has assured Azorean entrepreneurs of its commitment to the timely payment of support under the Employment Maintenance Programme (PME-I and PME-II), the Market Access Programme (AM) and the Support Programme for the Catering and Hospitality Sector (PARH), amongst others. The commitment made to business associations stipulates that support applied for in each quarter must be paid by the end of the following quarter. In this regard, the Regional Government of the Azores has once again complied with the agreed schedule, injecting more than €6 million into the business sector by June 30. “We have established a clear and predictable schedule for Azorean businesses, and we are meeting it,” stated the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas. Duarte Freitas also assured that the Azorean Government will continue to work in close coordination with business associations, consultants and entrepreneurs, maintaining closer ties and providing ongoing support to respond more effectively to the needs of the regional business community. The Government of the Azores reiterates its determination to continue supporting regional businesses, acknowledging their vital role in the archipelago's economic and social development.
July 1, 2026 Regional Government honours commitment to businesses The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, has assured Azorean entrepreneurs of its commitment to the timely payment of support under the Employment Maintenance Programme (PME-I and PME-II), the Market Access Programme (AM) and the Support Programme for the Catering and Hospitality Sector (PARH), amongst others. The commitment made to business associations stipulates that support applied for in each quarter must be paid by the end of the following quarter. In this regard, the Regional Government of the Azores has once again complied with the agreed schedule, injecting more than €6 million into the business sector by June 30. “We have established a clear and predictable schedule for Azorean businesses, and we are meeting it,” stated the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas. Duarte Freitas also assured that the Azorean Government will continue to work in close coordination with business associations, consultants and entrepreneurs, maintaining closer ties and providing ongoing support to respond more effectively to the needs of the regional business community. The Government of the Azores reiterates its determination to continue supporting regional businesses, acknowledging their vital role in the archipelago's economic and social development.
Nota de Imprensa
July 1, 2026 Tourism revenue rises 15% in May, strengthening Azores destination value The Azores registered a 15% increase in tourism revenue in May 2026, according to data now released by the Azores Regional Statistics Service (SREA), confirming the sector’s resilience and the success of the Azorean Government’s strategy to establish the Region as a tourist destination of excellence that is sustainable and generates value. According to the data released, the overall revenue from the tourist accommodation sector reached €24.6 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 15.0%. Accommodation revenue grew by 9.5% compared with the same period last year, totalling €17.9 million. Profitability indicators also point to an increase in tourist demand, with revenue per available room (RevPAR) reaching €96.24 and average daily rate (ADR) standing at €128.59. These results are particularly significant as they demonstrate that the Azores continue to grow in value, consolidating a tourism model that prioritises the quality of the experience, sustainability and the ability to generate greater economic returns for businesses and the regional economy. Against an international backdrop marked by economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and challenges facing the tourism industry on a global scale, the 2.2% decline in overnight stays demonstrates the remarkable resilience of the Azores as a destination. More importantly, the figures show that, despite this slight decrease, the sector still managed to generate more revenue and boost its profitability, reflecting a higher-quality demand from visitors with greater purchasing power. This performance confirms the Azores’ growing reputation as a competitive destination in both the domestic and international markets, capable of attracting visitors who praise authenticity, nature, safety, sustainability and the quality of the regional tourism offer. The confidence of international markets in the Azores’ potential as a tourist destination is also reflected in the growing interest shown by airlines in operating to the Region. Tuesday’s inaugural flight by Austrian Airlines is another clear sign of the destination’s appeal and the international recognition of its ability to attract new tourist flows and diversify its source markets. Tourism continues to play a strategic role in the economic development of the Azores, generating positive impacts across a wide range of sectors, from accommodation, catering and transport to retail, agriculture, fisheries, regional production and services. As such, it contributes to job creation, the revitalisation of the local economy and the maintenance of the local population. In this context, it is also important to highlight the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Regional Government and Turismo de Portugal (national tourism authority) this week. The agreement will deepen collaboration in promoting the destination, enhancing the quality of the tourism offer and showcasing the Region’s distinctive resources and products, thereby boosting the Azores’ competitiveness within the national and international tourism scene. The results now available confirm that the Azores are consolidating a path of sustained growth, based not only on increased demand but also on greater economic value, market diversification and the ongoing improvement of the range of products and services available. This progress has been underpinned by a clear and consistent strategy on the part of the Regional Government. It is based on improving air accessibility, promoting the destination abroad, enhancing tourism infrastructure, upskilling the workforce and committing to a model of sustainable development that reconciles economic growth with the preservation of the archipelago’s natural, environmental and cultural heritage. The May results provide further confirmation that the Azores are establishing themselves as one of the most distinctive, sustainable and highly regarded tourist destinations in the Atlantic, capable of attracting new markets, generating more wealth and creating more opportunities for the Azorean population.
July 1, 2026 Tourism revenue rises 15% in May, strengthening Azores destination value The Azores registered a 15% increase in tourism revenue in May 2026, according to data now released by the Azores Regional Statistics Service (SREA), confirming the sector’s resilience and the success of the Azorean Government’s strategy to establish the Region as a tourist destination of excellence that is sustainable and generates value. According to the data released, the overall revenue from the tourist accommodation sector reached €24.6 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 15.0%. Accommodation revenue grew by 9.5% compared with the same period last year, totalling €17.9 million. Profitability indicators also point to an increase in tourist demand, with revenue per available room (RevPAR) reaching €96.24 and average daily rate (ADR) standing at €128.59. These results are particularly significant as they demonstrate that the Azores continue to grow in value, consolidating a tourism model that prioritises the quality of the experience, sustainability and the ability to generate greater economic returns for businesses and the regional economy. Against an international backdrop marked by economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and challenges facing the tourism industry on a global scale, the 2.2% decline in overnight stays demonstrates the remarkable resilience of the Azores as a destination. More importantly, the figures show that, despite this slight decrease, the sector still managed to generate more revenue and boost its profitability, reflecting a higher-quality demand from visitors with greater purchasing power. This performance confirms the Azores’ growing reputation as a competitive destination in both the domestic and international markets, capable of attracting visitors who praise authenticity, nature, safety, sustainability and the quality of the regional tourism offer. The confidence of international markets in the Azores’ potential as a tourist destination is also reflected in the growing interest shown by airlines in operating to the Region. Tuesday’s inaugural flight by Austrian Airlines is another clear sign of the destination’s appeal and the international recognition of its ability to attract new tourist flows and diversify its source markets. Tourism continues to play a strategic role in the economic development of the Azores, generating positive impacts across a wide range of sectors, from accommodation, catering and transport to retail, agriculture, fisheries, regional production and services. As such, it contributes to job creation, the revitalisation of the local economy and the maintenance of the local population. In this context, it is also important to highlight the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Regional Government and Turismo de Portugal (national tourism authority) this week. The agreement will deepen collaboration in promoting the destination, enhancing the quality of the tourism offer and showcasing the Region’s distinctive resources and products, thereby boosting the Azores’ competitiveness within the national and international tourism scene. The results now available confirm that the Azores are consolidating a path of sustained growth, based not only on increased demand but also on greater economic value, market diversification and the ongoing improvement of the range of products and services available. This progress has been underpinned by a clear and consistent strategy on the part of the Regional Government. It is based on improving air accessibility, promoting the destination abroad, enhancing tourism infrastructure, upskilling the workforce and committing to a model of sustainable development that reconciles economic growth with the preservation of the archipelago’s natural, environmental and cultural heritage. The May results provide further confirmation that the Azores are establishing themselves as one of the most distinctive, sustainable and highly regarded tourist destinations in the Atlantic, capable of attracting new markets, generating more wealth and creating more opportunities for the Azorean population.
