Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Preliminary study on runway expansion at Pico Airport to be completed in May
Preliminary study on runway expansion at Pico Airport to be completed in May
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Berta Cabral highlights Germany as key market for sustainable growth of tourism in the Azores
Berta Cabral highlights Germany as key market for sustainable growth of tourism in the Azores
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Vice-Presidency promotes Europe Day celebrations on Flores Island
Vice-Presidency promotes Europe Day celebrations on Flores Island
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Portugal’s first fifth-generation surgical robot awarded to Autonomous Region of the Azores
Portugal’s first fifth-generation surgical robot awarded to Autonomous Region of the Azores
Nota de Imprensa
April 20, 2026 Preliminary study on runway expansion at Pico Airport to be completed in May The Working Group responsible for analysing the project to expand the runway at Pico Airport has met again, with each member presenting an update on the work to be carried out in their area of responsibility, as well as the respective completion deadlines. The preliminary study is expected to be completed by the group’s next meeting, which will be scheduled by the end of May. The meeting, which took place on the island of Pico, was held pursuant to Orders no. 198/2026 of February 3 and no. 204/2026 of February 5. It was coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, through the Regional Director for Mobility. In the meantime, a survey of the land to be acquired for the project has already been carried out. The Working Group intends to proceed with the acquisition of the land in accordance with legal procedures, giving priority to mutually agreed solutions with the respective landowners, thereby avoiding more time-consuming legal proceedings. An analysis of the studies already made available and the respective opinions has revealed significant agreement on most issues regarding the proposed solution for the expansion of Pico Airport. The Working Group will continue to carry out its work with dedication, with a view to achieving the goals set out by the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, in the aforementioned directives.
April 20, 2026 Preliminary study on runway expansion at Pico Airport to be completed in May The Working Group responsible for analysing the project to expand the runway at Pico Airport has met again, with each member presenting an update on the work to be carried out in their area of responsibility, as well as the respective completion deadlines. The preliminary study is expected to be completed by the group’s next meeting, which will be scheduled by the end of May. The meeting, which took place on the island of Pico, was held pursuant to Orders no. 198/2026 of February 3 and no. 204/2026 of February 5. It was coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, through the Regional Director for Mobility. In the meantime, a survey of the land to be acquired for the project has already been carried out. The Working Group intends to proceed with the acquisition of the land in accordance with legal procedures, giving priority to mutually agreed solutions with the respective landowners, thereby avoiding more time-consuming legal proceedings. An analysis of the studies already made available and the respective opinions has revealed significant agreement on most issues regarding the proposed solution for the expansion of Pico Airport. The Working Group will continue to carry out its work with dedication, with a view to achieving the goals set out by the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, in the aforementioned directives.
Nota de Imprensa
April 17, 2026 Berta Cabral highlights Germany as key market for sustainable growth of tourism in the Azores The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, stated today in Ponta Delgada that “Germany is an absolutely key market for tourism in the Azores,” highlighting the 12% increase registered in 2025 in overnight stays by German tourists — the highest among the Region’s top ten source markets. The speech was delivered at the Teatro Micaelense, during the opening session of the DRV Annual Conference 2026, the annual meeting of the German Travel Agents’ Association. According to the Regional Secretary, the decision to hold this event in the Azores is “a clear sign of the destination’s international prestige and the confidence that the German tourism sector places in the Region.” “The decision to choose the Azores to host this conference is a clear recognition of the quality, authenticity and uniqueness of our destination, as well as the close and strategic relations we maintain with the German market,” she stated. Berta Cabral also highlighted that Germany was the leading foreign source market for the Azores in 2025, once again, surpassing the United States of America. “This result demonstrates the strength of our connection with the German market and reflects a consistent approach based on promotion, trust and excellence,” she emphasised. “Germany understands the Azores, even without speaking our language. The Azores are, in many respects, a destination perfectly aligned with what German tourists praise,” added the government official. According to Berta Cabral, the strong focus on nature tourism (unique trails, stunning landscapes, exceptional biodiversity, the ocean, sustainability and authenticity) is fully aligned with the motivations of German visitors. She explained: “We are talking about an audience that values quality, environmental responsibility, active holidays and genuine cultural experiences. And that is part of the Azores’ DNA.” The Regional Secretary also highlighted the remarkable progress of Azorean tourism in recent years, emphasising: “Despite international challenges, the Azores were the first region in the country to fully recover from the impact of the pandemic, surpassing the 2019 results and winning highly prestigious international awards, such as Best Adventure Destination in the World and in Europe, awarded by the World Travel Awards.” In 2025, for the first time in history, the Azores exceeded 4.5 million overnight stays, with the regional hospitality sector generating over €206 million in revenue. “Tourism is now the main driving force of the regional economy, with a direct and wide-ranging impact, accounting for about 17% of GDP, 17% of employment and 20% of Gross Value Added,” she emphasised. Nevertheless, Berta Cabral was categorical: “More than just growing, we want to grow well. We are committed to responsible, balanced and sustainable tourism.” The Azores have now achieved Level II – Gold in the international Sustainable Destination certification awarded by EarthCheck, a recognition which, according to the government official, reflects “a vision of development that respects the territory, its communities and way of life, protecting what makes the Azores unique: Human Nature.” The Regional Secretary also highlighted the partnership with the German market in strengthening air connectivity: “The direct flights operated by Lufthansa, Eurowings and Azores Airlines, linking Ponta Delgada to Frankfurt and Nuremberg, are fundamental to the destination’s growth and a clear sign of confidence in the Azores’ potential and quality as a tourist destination,” she explained. From adventure tourism to wellness, from gastronomy to culture, from whale watching to volcanic landscapes and natural hot springs, the diversity of experiences available throughout the year makes the Azores an attractive destination well beyond the high season. In this context, Berta Cabral highlighted the essential role of German travel agents and tour operators, emphasising: “DRV members are key partners in how the Azores reach German travellers. It is they who match our destination to their clients’ expectations.” “Your professionalism, market knowledge and credibility are crucial to ensuring that the right visitor chooses the right destination at the right time. And the Azores are ready to continue to surprise,” she concluded, addressing the hundreds of people present.
April 17, 2026 Berta Cabral highlights Germany as key market for sustainable growth of tourism in the Azores The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, stated today in Ponta Delgada that “Germany is an absolutely key market for tourism in the Azores,” highlighting the 12% increase registered in 2025 in overnight stays by German tourists — the highest among the Region’s top ten source markets. The speech was delivered at the Teatro Micaelense, during the opening session of the DRV Annual Conference 2026, the annual meeting of the German Travel Agents’ Association. According to the Regional Secretary, the decision to hold this event in the Azores is “a clear sign of the destination’s international prestige and the confidence that the German tourism sector places in the Region.” “The decision to choose the Azores to host this conference is a clear recognition of the quality, authenticity and uniqueness of our destination, as well as the close and strategic relations we maintain with the German market,” she stated. Berta Cabral also highlighted that Germany was the leading foreign source market for the Azores in 2025, once again, surpassing the United States of America. “This result demonstrates the strength of our connection with the German market and reflects a consistent approach based on promotion, trust and excellence,” she emphasised. “Germany understands the Azores, even without speaking our language. The Azores are, in many respects, a destination perfectly aligned with what German tourists praise,” added the government official. According to Berta Cabral, the strong focus on nature tourism (unique trails, stunning landscapes, exceptional biodiversity, the ocean, sustainability and authenticity) is fully aligned with the motivations of German visitors. She explained: “We are talking about an audience that values quality, environmental responsibility, active holidays and genuine cultural experiences. And that is part of the Azores’ DNA.” The Regional Secretary also highlighted the remarkable progress of Azorean tourism in recent years, emphasising: “Despite international challenges, the Azores were the first region in the country to fully recover from the impact of the pandemic, surpassing the 2019 results and winning highly prestigious international awards, such as Best Adventure Destination in the World and in Europe, awarded by the World Travel Awards.” In 2025, for the first time in history, the Azores exceeded 4.5 million overnight stays, with the regional hospitality sector generating over €206 million in revenue. “Tourism is now the main driving force of the regional economy, with a direct and wide-ranging impact, accounting for about 17% of GDP, 17% of employment and 20% of Gross Value Added,” she emphasised. Nevertheless, Berta Cabral was categorical: “More than just growing, we want to grow well. We are committed to responsible, balanced and sustainable tourism.” The Azores have now achieved Level II – Gold in the international Sustainable Destination certification awarded by EarthCheck, a recognition which, according to the government official, reflects “a vision of development that respects the territory, its communities and way of life, protecting what makes the Azores unique: Human Nature.” The Regional Secretary also highlighted the partnership with the German market in strengthening air connectivity: “The direct flights operated by Lufthansa, Eurowings and Azores Airlines, linking Ponta Delgada to Frankfurt and Nuremberg, are fundamental to the destination’s growth and a clear sign of confidence in the Azores’ potential and quality as a tourist destination,” she explained. From adventure tourism to wellness, from gastronomy to culture, from whale watching to volcanic landscapes and natural hot springs, the diversity of experiences available throughout the year makes the Azores an attractive destination well beyond the high season. In this context, Berta Cabral highlighted the essential role of German travel agents and tour operators, emphasising: “DRV members are key partners in how the Azores reach German travellers. It is they who match our destination to their clients’ expectations.” “Your professionalism, market knowledge and credibility are crucial to ensuring that the right visitor chooses the right destination at the right time. And the Azores are ready to continue to surprise,” she concluded, addressing the hundreds of people present.
Nota de Imprensa
April 17, 2026 Vice-Presidency promotes Europe Day celebrations on Flores Island The Vice-Presidency of the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Directorate for European Affairs and External Cooperation, will organise the regional celebrations of Europe Day on May 9 on the island of Flores, the westernmost point of Europe, thereby highlighting the geopolitical and identity-defining role of the Outermost Regions within the European project. The celebrations – which mark both Europe Day and 40 years of European integration – will take place in the municipalities of Lajes das Flores and Santa Cruz das Flores. They are open to everyone and involve the school community, senior citizens, and various local and regional organisations. The programme begins at 9.30 am at Lajes das Flores Town Hall with the raising of the flags and the performance of the Portuguese, Azorean and European anthems by the União Operária e Cultural Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Philharmonic Band. This will be followed by the Official Opening Ceremony, featuring speeches by the Mayor of Lajes das Flores, Beto Vasconcelos, the Representative of the Government of Catalonia in Portugal, Rui Reis, and the Vice-President of the Regional Government of the Azores, Artur Lima. There will be a tribute to Pedro da Silveira, “Europe’s westernmost poet,” with a speech delivered by Gabriela Silva, a native of Flores, followed by a recital of his poems by the “A Jangada” theatre group. The event will continue with the opening of the “Europe in Postcards” exhibition, featuring works created by middle school students from the Flores Basic Education and Secondary School and the Lajes das Flores Basic Education and Kindergarten. The programme also includes the award-delivery ceremony and the official launch ceremony for the CTT (Portuguese Postal Service) stamp, postcard, envelope and official postmark, celebrating the occasion with the winning design from the postcard contest. At Europe’s westernmost point – Fajã Grande – the programme continues at 12:30 p.m. with the unveiling of a tile mural celebrating 40 years of European integration, a work created by students from the Ceramics Club of Flores Basic Education and Secondary School. The event will feature brief institutional speeches and a reflection on the geopolitical symbolism of Flores Island in the European context, led by António Maria Gonçalves from Flores. The programme also includes a visit to Monchique Islet, weather permitting, symbolically marking the date at the westernmost point of Europe, located on the west coast of Flores Island. The programme resumes at 5 p.m. at the Santa Cruz das Flores Town Hall with the opening of the “Flags of the Member States of the European Union” exhibition, showcasing works created by elderly residents of the Santas Casas da Misericórdia de Santa Cruz and Lajes das Flores. This will be followed by the official speeches, which will be delivered by the Mayor of Santa Cruz das Flores, Elisabete Nóia, and the Vice-President of the Regional Government of the Azores, Artur Lima, after which the guest speaker, Adolfo Mesquita Nunes, will address the topic “Smart Europe: benefits for the outermost regions.” This conference will precede the official closing of Europe Day celebrations, after a moment for debate. This initiative, which includes official ceremonies and speeches, cultural events, exhibitions and educational activities, stems from a partnership between the Vice-Presidency of the Government of the Azores and the Municipal Councils of Santa Cruz das Flores and Lajes das Flores. It counts on the support of Flores Basic Education and Secondary School, Santa Casa da Misericórdia das Lajes das Flores, Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Santa Cruz das Flores, “A Jangada” Theatre Group, CTT, and the Angra do Heroísmo Philatelic Society. The celebrations of Europe Day on the island of Flores take on special significance as they coincide with the 40th anniversary of Portugal and Spain’s accession to the then European Economic Community on January 1, 1986, a defining milestone for the economic, social and territorial development of the country and the Region.
April 17, 2026 Vice-Presidency promotes Europe Day celebrations on Flores Island The Vice-Presidency of the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Directorate for European Affairs and External Cooperation, will organise the regional celebrations of Europe Day on May 9 on the island of Flores, the westernmost point of Europe, thereby highlighting the geopolitical and identity-defining role of the Outermost Regions within the European project. The celebrations – which mark both Europe Day and 40 years of European integration – will take place in the municipalities of Lajes das Flores and Santa Cruz das Flores. They are open to everyone and involve the school community, senior citizens, and various local and regional organisations. The programme begins at 9.30 am at Lajes das Flores Town Hall with the raising of the flags and the performance of the Portuguese, Azorean and European anthems by the União Operária e Cultural Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Philharmonic Band. This will be followed by the Official Opening Ceremony, featuring speeches by the Mayor of Lajes das Flores, Beto Vasconcelos, the Representative of the Government of Catalonia in Portugal, Rui Reis, and the Vice-President of the Regional Government of the Azores, Artur Lima. There will be a tribute to Pedro da Silveira, “Europe’s westernmost poet,” with a speech delivered by Gabriela Silva, a native of Flores, followed by a recital of his poems by the “A Jangada” theatre group. The event will continue with the opening of the “Europe in Postcards” exhibition, featuring works created by middle school students from the Flores Basic Education and Secondary School and the Lajes das Flores Basic Education and Kindergarten. The programme also includes the award-delivery ceremony and the official launch ceremony for the CTT (Portuguese Postal Service) stamp, postcard, envelope and official postmark, celebrating the occasion with the winning design from the postcard contest. At Europe’s westernmost point – Fajã Grande – the programme continues at 12:30 p.m. with the unveiling of a tile mural celebrating 40 years of European integration, a work created by students from the Ceramics Club of Flores Basic Education and Secondary School. The event will feature brief institutional speeches and a reflection on the geopolitical symbolism of Flores Island in the European context, led by António Maria Gonçalves from Flores. The programme also includes a visit to Monchique Islet, weather permitting, symbolically marking the date at the westernmost point of Europe, located on the west coast of Flores Island. The programme resumes at 5 p.m. at the Santa Cruz das Flores Town Hall with the opening of the “Flags of the Member States of the European Union” exhibition, showcasing works created by elderly residents of the Santas Casas da Misericórdia de Santa Cruz and Lajes das Flores. This will be followed by the official speeches, which will be delivered by the Mayor of Santa Cruz das Flores, Elisabete Nóia, and the Vice-President of the Regional Government of the Azores, Artur Lima, after which the guest speaker, Adolfo Mesquita Nunes, will address the topic “Smart Europe: benefits for the outermost regions.” This conference will precede the official closing of Europe Day celebrations, after a moment for debate. This initiative, which includes official ceremonies and speeches, cultural events, exhibitions and educational activities, stems from a partnership between the Vice-Presidency of the Government of the Azores and the Municipal Councils of Santa Cruz das Flores and Lajes das Flores. It counts on the support of Flores Basic Education and Secondary School, Santa Casa da Misericórdia das Lajes das Flores, Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Santa Cruz das Flores, “A Jangada” Theatre Group, CTT, and the Angra do Heroísmo Philatelic Society. The celebrations of Europe Day on the island of Flores take on special significance as they coincide with the 40th anniversary of Portugal and Spain’s accession to the then European Economic Community on January 1, 1986, a defining milestone for the economic, social and territorial development of the country and the Region.
Nota de Imprensa
April 17, 2026 Portugal’s first fifth-generation surgical robot awarded to Autonomous Region of the Azores The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, has approved the awarding of the tender for the procurement, installation and maintenance of a robotic surgery system for the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital, E.P.E.R. (HDES), a strategic investment that further modernises the Regional Health Service. The decision follows the Government Council Resolution no. 164-A/2025 of December 23, which authorised the expenditure and the launch of the corresponding international public tender, under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). Under the decision now taken, a contract has been awarded for the purchase, installation and maintenance of a robotic surgery system, for €2,415,000.00, and for the purchase, installation and maintenance of an operating table compatible with the robotic system, for €114,500.00; both amounts are subject to VAT at the legal rate in force. The system to be installed at HDES is the IS5000 – Intuitive da Vinci 5 model, the most advanced fifth-generation robotic surgery system, and the first of its kind to be procured in Portugal. This equipment incorporates more than 150 technological innovations, including high-definition three-dimensional visualisation, greater surgical precision and force feedback technology, enabling healthcare professionals to perform safer and more effective procedures. This technological breakthrough will bring direct benefits for patients, notably through the performance of minimally invasive surgeries, resulting in less trauma, fewer complications and shorter recovery times. For Mónica Seidi, “this investment represents a decisive step forward in the development of the Regional Health Service, placing the Azores at the forefront of technological innovation in healthcare at a national level, with clear benefits for the quality of care provided and patient safety.” The government official also emphasised that this initiative “strengthens the capacity of HEDES to respond across a range of surgical specialities, leading to better clinical outcomes and greater efficiency within the regional healthcare system.”
April 17, 2026 Portugal’s first fifth-generation surgical robot awarded to Autonomous Region of the Azores The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, has approved the awarding of the tender for the procurement, installation and maintenance of a robotic surgery system for the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital, E.P.E.R. (HDES), a strategic investment that further modernises the Regional Health Service. The decision follows the Government Council Resolution no. 164-A/2025 of December 23, which authorised the expenditure and the launch of the corresponding international public tender, under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). Under the decision now taken, a contract has been awarded for the purchase, installation and maintenance of a robotic surgery system, for €2,415,000.00, and for the purchase, installation and maintenance of an operating table compatible with the robotic system, for €114,500.00; both amounts are subject to VAT at the legal rate in force. The system to be installed at HDES is the IS5000 – Intuitive da Vinci 5 model, the most advanced fifth-generation robotic surgery system, and the first of its kind to be procured in Portugal. This equipment incorporates more than 150 technological innovations, including high-definition three-dimensional visualisation, greater surgical precision and force feedback technology, enabling healthcare professionals to perform safer and more effective procedures. This technological breakthrough will bring direct benefits for patients, notably through the performance of minimally invasive surgeries, resulting in less trauma, fewer complications and shorter recovery times. For Mónica Seidi, “this investment represents a decisive step forward in the development of the Regional Health Service, placing the Azores at the forefront of technological innovation in healthcare at a national level, with clear benefits for the quality of care provided and patient safety.” The government official also emphasised that this initiative “strengthens the capacity of HEDES to respond across a range of surgical specialities, leading to better clinical outcomes and greater efficiency within the regional healthcare system.”
Nota de Imprensa
April 16, 2026 Regional Government hosts conference on Azorean identity this Saturday in Ponta Delgada The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, is organising a round-table discussion on the theme “The Construction of Azorean Identity(ies): historical roots and the present day” this Saturday, April 18, at 5.30 p.m. The event will take place at the Low Choir of the Conceição Palace in Ponta Delgada and will be attended by the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão. The initiative is being carried out within the institutional remit of promoting democratisation and celebrating the island’s identity. It aims to encourage in-depth reflection on the historical, anthropological and social roots that define the Azorean people and their gradual development of self-awareness over the centuries. With a view to organising this event, the Regional Secretariat has entered into a partnership with the Carlos Machado Museum, through its Autonomy Centre, and with CHAM – Centre for the Humanities at the University of the Azores. The curatorship of the round table was entrusted to Professor Isabel Soares de Albergaria, who will be part of the panel of speakers alongside prominent figures from academia and the field of historical and social research: Susana Serpa Silva, Carlos Guilherme Riley, Carlos Enes (a leading figure in contemporary history in the Azores) and Professor João Leal (one of the leading figures in social anthropology in Portugal). The event is open to the entire community, combining a panel discussion with opportunities for direct interaction with the public. In addition to marking the anniversary of the Azores’ autonomy, this joint reflection on the islands’ intangible heritage is a catalyst for the launch of the project to celebrate the 600th anniversary of the discovery of the Azores, which will be marked in 2027. Implementation and planning efforts will begin over the coming months, always guided by the fundamental principle of sharing Azorean knowledge, heritage and cultural identity with the world.
April 16, 2026 Regional Government hosts conference on Azorean identity this Saturday in Ponta Delgada The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, is organising a round-table discussion on the theme “The Construction of Azorean Identity(ies): historical roots and the present day” this Saturday, April 18, at 5.30 p.m. The event will take place at the Low Choir of the Conceição Palace in Ponta Delgada and will be attended by the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão. The initiative is being carried out within the institutional remit of promoting democratisation and celebrating the island’s identity. It aims to encourage in-depth reflection on the historical, anthropological and social roots that define the Azorean people and their gradual development of self-awareness over the centuries. With a view to organising this event, the Regional Secretariat has entered into a partnership with the Carlos Machado Museum, through its Autonomy Centre, and with CHAM – Centre for the Humanities at the University of the Azores. The curatorship of the round table was entrusted to Professor Isabel Soares de Albergaria, who will be part of the panel of speakers alongside prominent figures from academia and the field of historical and social research: Susana Serpa Silva, Carlos Guilherme Riley, Carlos Enes (a leading figure in contemporary history in the Azores) and Professor João Leal (one of the leading figures in social anthropology in Portugal). The event is open to the entire community, combining a panel discussion with opportunities for direct interaction with the public. In addition to marking the anniversary of the Azores’ autonomy, this joint reflection on the islands’ intangible heritage is a catalyst for the launch of the project to celebrate the 600th anniversary of the discovery of the Azores, which will be marked in 2027. Implementation and planning efforts will begin over the coming months, always guided by the fundamental principle of sharing Azorean knowledge, heritage and cultural identity with the world.
