Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Berta Cabral marcou presença na reunião do Conselho Estratégico de Promoção Turística
Berta Cabral marcou presença na reunião do Conselho Estratégico de Promoção Turística
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
LEADER programme reaches €42 million in funding and strengthens support for rural investment, says António Ventura
LEADER programme reaches €42 million in funding and strengthens support for rural investment, says António Ventura
Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades
Azores want to continue being example in immigrant integration, stresses Paulo Estêvão
Azores want to continue being example in immigrant integration, stresses Paulo Estêvão
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Regional Government increases accommodation capacity of Displaced Patient Support Service in Lisbon
Regional Government increases accommodation capacity of Displaced Patient Support Service in Lisbon
Nota de Imprensa
January 16, 2026 Berta Cabral marcou presença na reunião do Conselho Estratégico de Promoção Turística A Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas, Berta Cabral, participou hoje, em Faro, na reunião do Conselho Estratégico de Promoção Turística. A governante fez-se acompanhar pela Diretora Regional do Turismo, Rosa Costa, e pelo Presidente da Visit Azores, Luís Capdeville. Durante o encontro, foi apresentado o novo estudo da Marca Portugal (BAV), cujos principais resultados foram divulgados e serão, em breve, disponibilizados a todas as entidades do setor. Este estudo constitui uma ferramenta estratégica fundamental para a definição das prioridades de promoção externa do país. O Turismo de Portugal apresentou igualmente os resultados de 2025, enquadrando a evolução do setor e os principais indicadores de desempenho. Seguiram-se as intervenções das Regiões de Turismo, que partilharam desafios e prioridades para o próximo ciclo. Entre os temas destacados esteve a necessidade de reforçar o investimento na captação de eventos internacionais, privilegiando um crescimento em valor em detrimento do aumento do número de visitantes. Foram também abordados os constrangimentos nas infraestruturas aeroportuárias nacionais, apontados como um dos principais fatores limitativos ao crescimento sustentável do turismo. Para Berta Cabral, estas questões são “determinantes para o futuro do setor” e devem ser analisadas com particular atenção, quer no contexto nacional, quer numa região insular como os Açores. A Secretária Regional sublinhou ainda que é essencial alinhar a reflexão estratégica sobre a promoção turística de Portugal, reforçando o investimento na captação de eventos “enquanto motor de notoriedade, valor e diversificação da procura”. As Regiões de Turismo, incluindo os Açores, convergiram na prioridade de apostar num turismo de maior valor acrescentado, mais sustentável e qualificado, defendendo que o futuro do setor passa por uma abordagem que privilegie qualidade em vez de quantidade. O Conselho Estratégico para a Promoção Turística é a estrutura consultiva do Governo da República para a promoção externa de Portugal, como destino turístico, e de concertação estratégica entre o Turismo de Portugal, os Governos Regionais dos Açores e da Madeira, a Confederação do Turismo Português, e as Agências Regionais de Promoção Turística e as respetivas Entidades Regionais de Turismo.
January 16, 2026 Berta Cabral marcou presença na reunião do Conselho Estratégico de Promoção Turística A Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas, Berta Cabral, participou hoje, em Faro, na reunião do Conselho Estratégico de Promoção Turística. A governante fez-se acompanhar pela Diretora Regional do Turismo, Rosa Costa, e pelo Presidente da Visit Azores, Luís Capdeville. Durante o encontro, foi apresentado o novo estudo da Marca Portugal (BAV), cujos principais resultados foram divulgados e serão, em breve, disponibilizados a todas as entidades do setor. Este estudo constitui uma ferramenta estratégica fundamental para a definição das prioridades de promoção externa do país. O Turismo de Portugal apresentou igualmente os resultados de 2025, enquadrando a evolução do setor e os principais indicadores de desempenho. Seguiram-se as intervenções das Regiões de Turismo, que partilharam desafios e prioridades para o próximo ciclo. Entre os temas destacados esteve a necessidade de reforçar o investimento na captação de eventos internacionais, privilegiando um crescimento em valor em detrimento do aumento do número de visitantes. Foram também abordados os constrangimentos nas infraestruturas aeroportuárias nacionais, apontados como um dos principais fatores limitativos ao crescimento sustentável do turismo. Para Berta Cabral, estas questões são “determinantes para o futuro do setor” e devem ser analisadas com particular atenção, quer no contexto nacional, quer numa região insular como os Açores. A Secretária Regional sublinhou ainda que é essencial alinhar a reflexão estratégica sobre a promoção turística de Portugal, reforçando o investimento na captação de eventos “enquanto motor de notoriedade, valor e diversificação da procura”. As Regiões de Turismo, incluindo os Açores, convergiram na prioridade de apostar num turismo de maior valor acrescentado, mais sustentável e qualificado, defendendo que o futuro do setor passa por uma abordagem que privilegie qualidade em vez de quantidade. O Conselho Estratégico para a Promoção Turística é a estrutura consultiva do Governo da República para a promoção externa de Portugal, como destino turístico, e de concertação estratégica entre o Turismo de Portugal, os Governos Regionais dos Açores e da Madeira, a Confederação do Turismo Português, e as Agências Regionais de Promoção Turística e as respetivas Entidades Regionais de Turismo.
Nota de Imprensa
January 16, 2026 LEADER programme reaches €42 million in funding and strengthens support for rural investment, says António Ventura The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, highlighted today the effectiveness of the LEADER Programme in rural development in the Azores, which has seen an overall investment of €41.8 million and 696 projects supported under PRORURAL+ (2014-2025) and co-financed by the EAFRD. The government official spoke during a visit to the “Próteas Arline Avelar” project, together with the President of the Board of Directors of GRATER, in São Bartolomeu, municipality of Angra do Heroísmo. This is an initiative aimed at agricultural diversification and the promotion of local products, which is supported by this financial tool. "LEADER has been a decisive tool in giving a voice to territories and supporting those who want to invest and create opportunities on our islands," stated António Ventura. The government official added that "projects like this show that, when there is proximity, local knowledge and technical support, it is possible to generate economic, social and environmental value sustainably." In the Azores, the LEADER approach is based on Community-Led Local Development (CLLD), implemented by Local Action Groups (LAGs). This methodology is considered strategic for the archipelago, enabling it to respond to the geographical dispersion challenges and the need to diversify the rural and island economy. The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food reinforced the programme in 2025 with €18.5 million, ensuring that progress reaches all islands equitably and stimulating local job creation, from the agrifood sector to sustainable tourism. With a view to the new programming period under the PEPAC (2026-2028), António Ventura announced an allocation of €14.4 million and an innovative measure to boost the business fabric in rural areas. "Under PEPAC, the LEADER programme will award a €15,000 installation premium to companies setting up in rural areas of the Azores, regardless of their economic classification," revealed the Secretary for Agriculture. The government official stressed that the necessary legislation for the new support cycle is already being prepared, ensuring the continuity of rural and community development until 2028. For the Regional Secretary, these policies ensure that agriculture and related activities continue to be the driving force for social cohesion and the strengthening of rural communities in the Azores.
January 16, 2026 LEADER programme reaches €42 million in funding and strengthens support for rural investment, says António Ventura The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, highlighted today the effectiveness of the LEADER Programme in rural development in the Azores, which has seen an overall investment of €41.8 million and 696 projects supported under PRORURAL+ (2014-2025) and co-financed by the EAFRD. The government official spoke during a visit to the “Próteas Arline Avelar” project, together with the President of the Board of Directors of GRATER, in São Bartolomeu, municipality of Angra do Heroísmo. This is an initiative aimed at agricultural diversification and the promotion of local products, which is supported by this financial tool. "LEADER has been a decisive tool in giving a voice to territories and supporting those who want to invest and create opportunities on our islands," stated António Ventura. The government official added that "projects like this show that, when there is proximity, local knowledge and technical support, it is possible to generate economic, social and environmental value sustainably." In the Azores, the LEADER approach is based on Community-Led Local Development (CLLD), implemented by Local Action Groups (LAGs). This methodology is considered strategic for the archipelago, enabling it to respond to the geographical dispersion challenges and the need to diversify the rural and island economy. The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food reinforced the programme in 2025 with €18.5 million, ensuring that progress reaches all islands equitably and stimulating local job creation, from the agrifood sector to sustainable tourism. With a view to the new programming period under the PEPAC (2026-2028), António Ventura announced an allocation of €14.4 million and an innovative measure to boost the business fabric in rural areas. "Under PEPAC, the LEADER programme will award a €15,000 installation premium to companies setting up in rural areas of the Azores, regardless of their economic classification," revealed the Secretary for Agriculture. The government official stressed that the necessary legislation for the new support cycle is already being prepared, ensuring the continuity of rural and community development until 2028. For the Regional Secretary, these policies ensure that agriculture and related activities continue to be the driving force for social cohesion and the strengthening of rural communities in the Azores.
Nota de Imprensa
January 16, 2026 Azores want to continue being example in immigrant integration, stresses Paulo Estêvão The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, stressed today that the Region intends to continue being an "example" in the integration of immigrants, always in collaboration with entities, political forces and "civil society as a whole." "We want to continue to be a society that welcomes others with kindness. A society that knows how to integrate, otherwise our communities abroad would not be a source of pride for all of us, a source of pride as all the countries where they work value and respect them. This is our standard of excellence," stressed the government official. Paulo Estêvão spoke at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores regarding a Socialist Draft Resolution, approved by a majority of members, on measures to support the integration, training and regularisation of immigrants in the Azores. The Regional Secretary pointed out that immigration "is not a divisive issue" in the Azores and does not give rise to heated political debate, thanks to the efforts of successive Azorean governments and opposition parties, and the hospitable and altruistic nature of the Azorean people." Paulo Estêvão also noted that immigrants represent less than 4% of the resident population in the Region, "far from the 15% they represent nationwide." Furthermore, he stated that "the Azoreans, one of the peoples with the highest migratory projection in the world, have, due to this historical experience, a greater sensitivity to migratory issues." However, he acknowledged that "the challenges posed by immigration are very significant" in areas such as housing, employment, education and health. "Decisions and the regulatory and legal context are largely the result of decisions made by national sovereign bodies. What we do and decide is always strongly conditioned by national choices in this area. But even so, we can do a lot, as long as this is our purpose," he stressed, praising the recommendations presented in parliamentary debate. "This does not mean that the policies and actions outlined in the socialist initiative are not already being developed. In most cases, they are, and in many cases, they were already being implemented before 2020. In other cases, they are new ideas and practices that we want to integrate into our political action," defended the government official. The Azoran Government “has been promoting, in collaboration with various entities, vocational training and Portuguese language courses,” an effort that will be stepped up, assured Paulo Estêvão. He continued: “We are going to sign an agreement with Madeira to share training capacities in both regions. We are going to increase the pay of instructors.” Regarding the agreement signed between the Azorean Government and the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum - AIMA, which will enable RIAC offices to assist immigrants on all islands of the archipelago, the government official acknowledged some constraints in the process, but assured that progress would be made during the current year. Protocols have been signed with the Association of Immigrants in the Azores-AIPA and Cresaçor for the submission of complex, rigorous processes in the area of document regularisation, within the scope of residence permit renewal. We will provide AIPA with a public space so that it can respond to the huge increase in the number of people seeking assistance. We are organising activities and projects from preschool to higher education to promote the integration of immigrants. We also organise an annual Migration Forum to foster a broad debate on the migration policies we are implementing," he continued, announcing that, from this year onwards, all parliamentary parties will be invited to follow the works of the Forum. Moreover, the Guide to Hiring Foreign Citizens in the Azores was created, "which is now being updated to reflect recent legislative changes," while maintaining the basic premise of "supporting entrepreneurs and immigrants in the hiring process." "In short, the Regional Government intends to continue making improvements in collaboration with immigrant associations, the Azorean Parliament and Azorean civil society as a whole in terms of immigration, with a view to preserving the Azores' exemplary status in this area," concluded the Regional Secretary.
January 16, 2026 Azores want to continue being example in immigrant integration, stresses Paulo Estêvão The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, stressed today that the Region intends to continue being an "example" in the integration of immigrants, always in collaboration with entities, political forces and "civil society as a whole." "We want to continue to be a society that welcomes others with kindness. A society that knows how to integrate, otherwise our communities abroad would not be a source of pride for all of us, a source of pride as all the countries where they work value and respect them. This is our standard of excellence," stressed the government official. Paulo Estêvão spoke at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores regarding a Socialist Draft Resolution, approved by a majority of members, on measures to support the integration, training and regularisation of immigrants in the Azores. The Regional Secretary pointed out that immigration "is not a divisive issue" in the Azores and does not give rise to heated political debate, thanks to the efforts of successive Azorean governments and opposition parties, and the hospitable and altruistic nature of the Azorean people." Paulo Estêvão also noted that immigrants represent less than 4% of the resident population in the Region, "far from the 15% they represent nationwide." Furthermore, he stated that "the Azoreans, one of the peoples with the highest migratory projection in the world, have, due to this historical experience, a greater sensitivity to migratory issues." However, he acknowledged that "the challenges posed by immigration are very significant" in areas such as housing, employment, education and health. "Decisions and the regulatory and legal context are largely the result of decisions made by national sovereign bodies. What we do and decide is always strongly conditioned by national choices in this area. But even so, we can do a lot, as long as this is our purpose," he stressed, praising the recommendations presented in parliamentary debate. "This does not mean that the policies and actions outlined in the socialist initiative are not already being developed. In most cases, they are, and in many cases, they were already being implemented before 2020. In other cases, they are new ideas and practices that we want to integrate into our political action," defended the government official. The Azoran Government “has been promoting, in collaboration with various entities, vocational training and Portuguese language courses,” an effort that will be stepped up, assured Paulo Estêvão. He continued: “We are going to sign an agreement with Madeira to share training capacities in both regions. We are going to increase the pay of instructors.” Regarding the agreement signed between the Azorean Government and the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum - AIMA, which will enable RIAC offices to assist immigrants on all islands of the archipelago, the government official acknowledged some constraints in the process, but assured that progress would be made during the current year. Protocols have been signed with the Association of Immigrants in the Azores-AIPA and Cresaçor for the submission of complex, rigorous processes in the area of document regularisation, within the scope of residence permit renewal. We will provide AIPA with a public space so that it can respond to the huge increase in the number of people seeking assistance. We are organising activities and projects from preschool to higher education to promote the integration of immigrants. We also organise an annual Migration Forum to foster a broad debate on the migration policies we are implementing," he continued, announcing that, from this year onwards, all parliamentary parties will be invited to follow the works of the Forum. Moreover, the Guide to Hiring Foreign Citizens in the Azores was created, "which is now being updated to reflect recent legislative changes," while maintaining the basic premise of "supporting entrepreneurs and immigrants in the hiring process." "In short, the Regional Government intends to continue making improvements in collaboration with immigrant associations, the Azorean Parliament and Azorean civil society as a whole in terms of immigration, with a view to preserving the Azores' exemplary status in this area," concluded the Regional Secretary.
Nota de Imprensa
January 16, 2026 Regional Government increases accommodation capacity of Displaced Patient Support Service in Lisbon The Regional Government has increased the accommodation capacity of the Displaced Patient Support Service (SADD) in Lisbon by signing a new protocol that includes an additional two-bedroom apartment and a one-bedroom apartment adapted for users with reduced mobility. This expansion addresses a need identified by the SADD team, led by Catarina Silva, providing a more adequate response to the growing number of users from the Autonomous Region of the Azores who travel to Mainland Portugal for medical exams, consultations or treatments. For the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, this measure reflects the Regional Government's ongoing attention to the difficulties experienced by patients when they are forced to leave the Region for healthcare. “The Regional Government is aware of the difficulties that Azorean patients face when travelling outside the Region for exams or treatment and intends to mitigate these impacts by ensuring a responsive, dignified and humane response. Fortunately, this is what the Displaced Patient Support Service has been providing to our users,” emphasises the person responsible for the service. Regarding the length of stays, 46% were short stays of less than five days. Regarding the origin of patients, 54% had been referred from the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital in Ponta Delgada, 34% from the Santo Espírito Hospital of Terceira Island, and 12% from the Horta Hospital. During 2025, the SADD team carried out a total of 11,914 interventions, which included psychosocial support, telephone contacts, guidance on travel procedures, processing of daily allowances and providing information on patients' rights and duties. A further 3,762 social diagnoses and 6,751 procedures were carried out, ensuring active and effective monitoring, particularly in more complex cases. Therefore, SADD is an essential structure with a high level of social responsibility. “Behind each of these figures are the Regional Health Service patients and their families, as well as stories marked by support, dedication and humanism. It is this commitment that the Regional Government of the Azores continues to focus on, improving responses and ensuring better conditions for those who need it most,” concluded Mónica Seidi.
January 16, 2026 Regional Government increases accommodation capacity of Displaced Patient Support Service in Lisbon The Regional Government has increased the accommodation capacity of the Displaced Patient Support Service (SADD) in Lisbon by signing a new protocol that includes an additional two-bedroom apartment and a one-bedroom apartment adapted for users with reduced mobility. This expansion addresses a need identified by the SADD team, led by Catarina Silva, providing a more adequate response to the growing number of users from the Autonomous Region of the Azores who travel to Mainland Portugal for medical exams, consultations or treatments. For the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, this measure reflects the Regional Government's ongoing attention to the difficulties experienced by patients when they are forced to leave the Region for healthcare. “The Regional Government is aware of the difficulties that Azorean patients face when travelling outside the Region for exams or treatment and intends to mitigate these impacts by ensuring a responsive, dignified and humane response. Fortunately, this is what the Displaced Patient Support Service has been providing to our users,” emphasises the person responsible for the service. Regarding the length of stays, 46% were short stays of less than five days. Regarding the origin of patients, 54% had been referred from the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital in Ponta Delgada, 34% from the Santo Espírito Hospital of Terceira Island, and 12% from the Horta Hospital. During 2025, the SADD team carried out a total of 11,914 interventions, which included psychosocial support, telephone contacts, guidance on travel procedures, processing of daily allowances and providing information on patients' rights and duties. A further 3,762 social diagnoses and 6,751 procedures were carried out, ensuring active and effective monitoring, particularly in more complex cases. Therefore, SADD is an essential structure with a high level of social responsibility. “Behind each of these figures are the Regional Health Service patients and their families, as well as stories marked by support, dedication and humanism. It is this commitment that the Regional Government of the Azores continues to focus on, improving responses and ensuring better conditions for those who need it most,” concluded Mónica Seidi.
Nota de Imprensa
January 16, 2026 Berta Cabral highlights importance of cooperation between the Regional Government and Local Government to improve people's lives The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, highlighted on Wednesday the importance of infrastructures such as viewpoints to "improve the tourist experience and promote Azorean parishes as tourist attractions." Berta Cabral spoke at the opening ceremony of the Pináculo Viewpoint (Entre Lombas), located in the parish of Pedro Miguel, municipality of Horta, Faial Island. For the government official, the ongoing cooperation between the Government of the Azores and Local Government "results in this type of commendable action, which improves the lives of the population." The newly opened viewpoint represented an investment of over €45,700 and is the first project opened under the new parish support system created by the Regional Government. Located near the coast and bordering the islands of Pico, São Jorge and Graciosa, it offers a panoramic view over the parish of Pedro Miguel, namely over the Pedro Miguel Graben, one of the most peculiar geological structures on the island of Faial, and the Protected Area for Habitat or Species Management of Lomba Grande. It is also located on the route of some of the Azores Trail Run and São Pedro Graben de Pedro Miguel Trail events. Built entirely of wood, it is rooted in the rocky area and protrudes from the slope. It has a total implantation area of 5.82m by 5.05m, with a usable area of 2.5m by 4.30m. The access road has been widened on flat ground to provide two parking spaces. The viewpoint is enclosed by wooden railings and has an access ramp.
January 16, 2026 Berta Cabral highlights importance of cooperation between the Regional Government and Local Government to improve people's lives The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, highlighted on Wednesday the importance of infrastructures such as viewpoints to "improve the tourist experience and promote Azorean parishes as tourist attractions." Berta Cabral spoke at the opening ceremony of the Pináculo Viewpoint (Entre Lombas), located in the parish of Pedro Miguel, municipality of Horta, Faial Island. For the government official, the ongoing cooperation between the Government of the Azores and Local Government "results in this type of commendable action, which improves the lives of the population." The newly opened viewpoint represented an investment of over €45,700 and is the first project opened under the new parish support system created by the Regional Government. Located near the coast and bordering the islands of Pico, São Jorge and Graciosa, it offers a panoramic view over the parish of Pedro Miguel, namely over the Pedro Miguel Graben, one of the most peculiar geological structures on the island of Faial, and the Protected Area for Habitat or Species Management of Lomba Grande. It is also located on the route of some of the Azores Trail Run and São Pedro Graben de Pedro Miguel Trail events. Built entirely of wood, it is rooted in the rocky area and protrudes from the slope. It has a total implantation area of 5.82m by 5.05m, with a usable area of 2.5m by 4.30m. The access road has been widened on flat ground to provide two parking spaces. The viewpoint is enclosed by wooden railings and has an access ramp.
