Media and news Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Nota de Imprensa
July 30, 2026
Açores renovam Galardão QualityCoast Platinum e consolidam posição entre os destinos turísticos mais sustentáveis do mundo
Os Açores renovaram este ano o galardão QualityCoast Platinum, a mais elevada distinção atribuída por este prestigiado programa internacional de sustentabilidade turística. O reconhecimento, que reafirma a posição dos Açores entre os destinos mais sustentáveis do mundo, resulta da candidatura submetida pela Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas, através da Açores DMO. A distinção é atribuída pela organização internacional Green Destinations e reconhece os destinos que evidenciam elevados níveis de desempenho nas vertentes ambiental, social, cultural e económica, em conformidade com os critérios internacionais do Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).  O programa QualityCoast avalia áreas determinantes como a governação do destino, a conservação da natureza, a proteção ambiental, a valorização da cultura e das tradições locais, o bem-estar das comunidades e o envolvimento do setor empresarial. Na auditoria agora concluída, os Açores alcançaram uma classificação global de 9,0 pontos em 10, resultado que garantiu a renovação do nível Platinum, reservado aos destinos que demonstram padrões de excelência e um compromisso consistente com os princípios do desenvolvimento sustentável. Entre os indicadores com melhor desempenho destacam-se as áreas do Bem-Estar Social, da Gestão do Destino e da Cultura e Tradição, refletindo a capacidade da Região para conciliar crescimento turístico, qualidade de vida e preservação da identidade açoriana. Esta distinção constitui uma validação internacional independente da estratégia que o Governo dos Açores tem vindo a implementar, posicionando a sustentabilidade como eixo central do desenvolvimento turístico regional. Trata-se de um reconhecimento que evidencia o compromisso da Região com a proteção dos recursos naturais, a valorização do património cultural, a promoção do bem-estar das populações e a adoção de políticas públicas orientadas para a criação de valor a longo prazo. O relatório de auditoria destaca particularmente a robustez do modelo de governação da sustentabilidade nos Açores, a visão estratégica de longo prazo, a transparência dos processos de decisão e a forte articulação entre entidades públicas, empresas do setor turístico, organizações da sociedade civil e comunidades locais.  Este modelo colaborativo é inclusivamente apontado como um dos fatores diferenciadores que sustentam o sucesso da Região no panorama internacional da sustentabilidade turística. Entre as boas práticas identificadas pela entidade auditora sobressaem o sólido enquadramento de políticas e estratégias de sustentabilidade, os programas de conservação da natureza e da biodiversidade, as medidas de adaptação e mitigação das alterações climáticas, o investimento na mobilidade sustentável e os mecanismos de monitorização, avaliação e melhoria contínua da atividade turística. Para a Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas, Berta Cabral, a renovação do QualityCoast Platinum representa “um reconhecimento inequívoco do trabalho desenvolvido ao longo dos últimos anos e do compromisso coletivo de todos os intervenientes do setor. Simultaneamente, reforça a responsabilidade de continuar a promover um modelo turístico equilibrado, regenerativo e resiliente, capaz de gerar valor económico, social e ambiental para todo o território”. “A renovação desta distinção internacional reforça a liderança dos Açores no domínio do turismo sustentável e confirma que é possível compatibilizar o crescimento turístico com a preservação do património natural e cultural, a coesão social e a prosperidade das gerações presentes e futuras. Mais do que um reconhecimento, este galardão constitui uma afirmação da visão da Região para um turismo de excelência, assente na autenticidade, na sustentabilidade e na responsabilidade partilhada”, conclui a governante.

Nota de Imprensa
July 29, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro anuncia estudo para avaliar impacto das migrações no desenvolvimento dos Açores
O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, presidiu hoje ao V Encontro Consular dos Açores, realizado no Palácio da Conceição, em Ponta Delgada, iniciativa que reuniu os representantes do Corpo Consular acreditado na Região para um momento de reflexão sobre os desafios e as oportunidades das comunidades residentes no arquipélago, reforçando o "diálogo e a cooperação" entre os Açores e os países com representação consular. Na abertura do encontro, o líder do executivo açoriano destacou a importância desta iniciativa para a afirmação internacional da Região, sublinhando que os Açores vivem hoje uma "nova realidade migratória", sem perder a ligação histórica à sua diáspora. "Os Açores são uma terra de emigração, com uma Diáspora prestigiada em todo o mundo, mas são hoje também uma região de acolhimento, capaz de integrar pessoas, criar oportunidades e fortalecer a sua economia com quem escolhe viver entre nós", afirmou José Manuel Bolieiro. O Presidente do Governo dos Açores anunciou que o executivo irá promover, em 2027, um estudo destinado a avaliar o impacto social e económico das migrações nos Açores, permitindo conhecer, com maior rigor, o contributo das comunidades estrangeiras para o desenvolvimento da Região. Atualmente, os cidadãos estrangeiros representam cerca de 4% da população açoriana, uma realidade que o Governo considera essencial para a resposta aos desafios demográficos, para a dinamização da economia e para o reforço da coesão social. "Queremos conhecer melhor o impacto das migrações no desenvolvimento dos Açores e valorizar o contributo daqueles que escolheram as nossas ilhas para viver, trabalhar, investir e empreender", sublinhou José Manuel Bolieiro. O governante considerou ainda que a celebração, no próximo ano, dos 600 anos do povoamento e da descoberta dos Açores constitui uma oportunidade para refletir sobre a evolução da sociedade açoriana, que preserva uma forte ligação às comunidades emigrantes espalhadas pelo mundo e se afirma, simultaneamente, como uma terra de acolhimento, integração e oportunidades. A segunda parte do encontro foi dedicada à valorização das comunidades estrangeiras residentes nos Açores, através da partilha de testemunhos de cinco convidados em representação das nacionalidades com maior presença na Região: Brasil, Alemanha, Cabo Verde, Estados Unidos da América e Espanha. Os participantes deram a conhecer os seus percursos de integração e o contributo que têm vindo a prestar à sociedade açoriana nas áreas da cultura, da investigação, das artes e do empreendedorismo. O V Encontro Consular terminou com uma atuação do Grupo Folclórico e Etnográfico Estrelas do Atlântico, da cidade de Laval, no Quebeque, Canadá, num momento simbólico de valorização das ligações históricas e culturais entre os Açores e as suas comunidades no exterior. Promovido pela Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades, através da Direção Regional das Comunidades, o Encontro Consular realiza-se anualmente desde 2022, afirmando-se como um espaço permanente de concertação entre o Governo dos Açores e o Corpo Consular acreditado na Região. Dessa cooperação resultou, em 2025, a assinatura de um protocolo entre o Governo dos Açores e a Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA), que está a alargar os serviços da Agência às 55 lojas da Rede Integrada de Apoio ao Cidadão (RIAC) existentes nas nove ilhas dos Açores.

Nota de Imprensa
July 29, 2026
Governo dos Açores investiu mais de 22 milhões de euros em convenções de saúde em 2025
A Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, Mónica Seidi, destacou hoje o reforço contínuo do investimento do Governo dos Açores nas convenções celebradas no âmbito do Serviço Regional de Saúde, sublinhando que em 2025, foram realizados cerca de 2,5 milhões de exames e tratamentos através deste instrumento, representando um investimento global superior a 22 milhões de euros. Este valor representa um aumento de 3,24 milhões de euros face ao investimento realizado em 2024.  Enquadrado no regime de convenções previsto no Estatuto do Serviço Regional de Saúde e na legislação regional em vigor, este investimento permite assegurar, de forma complementar, a prestação de cuidados de saúde aos açorianos através de entidades convencionadas, garantindo maior capacidade de resposta, proximidade e equidade no acesso aos cuidados de saúde. Esta medida traduz-se igualmente numa poupança significativa para os orçamentos familiares, ao reduzir a necessidade de despesas diretas com cuidados de saúde. Ainda assim, Mónica Seidi salienta que, na área da Imagiologia, as entidades privadas nem sempre conseguem assegurar a resposta desejada, devido à dificuldade em contratar médicos especialistas. Em 2025, entre as áreas com maior expressão destacam-se as Análises Clínicas, com mais de 1,8 milhões de exames realizados, correspondendo a um investimento superior a 7,6 milhões de euros, e a Medicina Física e Reabilitação, com mais de 523 mil atos, num montante superior a cinco milhões de euros. Também a Imagiologia registou um volume muito significativo, com cerca de 89 mil exames e um investimento superior a 4,4 milhões de euros. Para Mónica Seidi, “estes números demonstram a importância estratégica dos parceiros do setor, que ao realizarem convenções reforçam a resposta do Serviço Regional de Saúde, permitindo assegurar aos açorianos um acesso mais célere, próximo e eficiente a cuidados de saúde fundamentais”. O Governo Regional procedeu a uma atualização dos valores pagos às entidades privadas que aderiram às convenções nos setores da Imagiologia e Medicina Física e Reabilitação, algo que não acontecia desde 2014. Importa ainda realçar que, no cômputo geral das especialidades, foram realizados cerca de mais 720 mil exames/atos em 2025 do que em 2023, o que justifica o aumento do investimento de 17,7 milhões de euros em 2023 para mais de 22 milhões de euros em 2025. Atualmente, o regime regional permite a celebração de convenções em múltiplas áreas, incluindo Análises Clínicas, Anatomia Patológica, Cardiologia, Gastroenterologia, Imagiologia, Medicina Física e Reabilitação, Medicina Nuclear, Procriação Medicamente Assistida, Psiquiatria, Radioterapia, entre outras especialidades, garantindo uma cobertura alargada das necessidades da população. “O compromisso do Governo dos Açores é continuar a consolidar um Serviço Regional de Saúde moderno, robusto e centrado nas pessoas, assegurando que todos os açorianos, independentemente da sua ilha de residência, tenham acesso aos cuidados de saúde de que necessitam, com qualidade, segurança e em tempo útil”, afirma Mónica Seidi. O Governo dos Açores continuará, assim, a valorizar e reforçar o regime de convenções como instrumento estruturante da política regional de saúde, promovendo melhores cuidados, maior proximidade e mais bem-estar para todos os açorianos.

Nota de Imprensa
July 29, 2026
Alonso Miguel marks the completion of the redevelopment and environmental restoration work on Pico da Vara access trail
On Tuesday, World Nature Conservation Day, the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, attended a presentation on the redevelopment works carried out on the access trail to Pico da Vara. Coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action under the LIFE IP Azores Natura project, the intervention redeveloped approximately 3.5 kilometres of the trail between Graminhais and Pico da Vara—"one of the most emblematic and ecologically sensitive routes in the Azores." Alonso Miguel highlighted that this was a "remarkable intervention, with a high degree of technical and operational complexity, carried out by the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA), as an associated beneficiary of the project, seeking to ensure appropriate landscape integration. It was primarily intended to minimise the impacts of tourism and leisure visits, promoting the sustainable use of the trail while simultaneously ensuring the conservation of habitats and protected species within the Pico da Vara/Ribeira do Guilherme Special Protection Area (SPA), which is part of the Natura 2000 Network and the São Miguel Island Nature Park." "In fact, there has been an extraordinary growth in demand for this trail, rising from approximately 2,000 visitors in 2014 to over 20,000 visitors in 2025. For this reason, it became essential to carry out a comprehensive intervention to halt soil erosion, reduce the trampling of vegetation and reverse the degradation of the trail," he stated. The government official highlighted that "the works were carried out over four years, representing an investment of around €200,000, for interventions on the Graminhais and Santo António trails, covering a total area of seven kilometres. This ensured the control and removal of exotic vegetation and the planting of thousands of specimens of endemic and native Azorean species in their natural habitats, thereby providing these trails with better conditions for use and ensuring the protection of one of the Region's most important natural spaces." He also emphasised that "this intervention was crucial not only in managing visitor numbers on this trail but also in minimising the impacts and pressures on the natural resources present. It is with great satisfaction that, as a result of the work carried out over these four years, we can now clearly observe a natural regeneration of the habitats involved and a strengthening of native and endemic species populations, even in the face of a significant increase in visitor numbers." This route, now upgraded, further reinforces the high quality of our hiking trail network, which sets us apart and represents an important tourist asset for the Region, combining the preservation and enhancement of natural heritage with the promotion of sustainable tourism," he noted. The Regional Secretary also added that "a monitoring programme has also been implemented to assess the effectiveness of the measures adopted and track the recovery of natural habitats. The knowledge gained from this process will be essential for improving the future management of Pico da Vara, as well as for replicating these solutions on other trails located in protected areas across the Azores." Alonso Miguel concluded by emphasising that this intervention demonstrates that it is possible to reconcile the enjoyment of nature with its conservation, ensuring that a natural heritage of exceptional value can continue to be enjoyed by people, even as a tourist asset, without compromising its preservation.

Nota de Imprensa
July 28, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro opens an innovation laboratory to make “public services simpler and more efficient”
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the opening of the new INCUBA.Açores building — the Regional Public Administration Experimentation Laboratory — in Angra do Heroísmo, highlighting that it represents a decisive step in modernising public administration and building simpler, more efficient services that are closer to citizens.   For José Manuel Bolieiro, INCUBA.Açores embodies the Government's vision for a more "innovative" public administration, capable of responding to current challenges through experimentation, collaboration and digital transformation.   "This is an innovation, modernisation and reform project for the Public Administration of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. It is a space to create, innovate and participate — with methodology, critical thinking and boldness to reform public administration through its modernisation," he declared.   The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that the laboratory will "accelerate administrative simplification," promoting the "dematerialisation of procedures" and a more "rigorous" monitoring of the services provided to citizens.   "We are seizing this opportunity to dematerialise processes, simplify procedures and increase the monitoring of the services provided to citizens," he stressed.  José Manuel Bolieiro added that the new space was designed to encourage collaborative work and the "development of innovative solutions" across the entire Regional Public Administration. "With coworking, co-creation, experimentation and innovation laboratory projects, we will be able to redesign Regional Public Administration services, making them more efficient, more collaborative and more focused on citizens' needs," he stated. Created in 2022 as part of the Azorean Government's administrative modernisation strategy and Component 19 of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP-Azores), INCUBA.Açores has established itself as the Regional Public Administration's first experimentation laboratory, promoting user-centred research, co-creation and experimentation methodologies. Over the past four years, the laboratory has developed 19 public innovation and service redesign projects, involving more than 7,600 participants—including citizens, businesses, academia and the Public Administration—and has delivered training to over 200 public managers and workers in innovation and service design methodologies. The new building will consolidate an infrastructure dedicated to public innovation, hosting co-creation sessions, training initiatives, experimentation projects and collaborative endeavours with the Public Administration, businesses, educational institutions, and civil society, while also strengthening the Azores' participation in national and international public innovation networks. Key priorities for this new phase include the "Open Doors" and "INCUBA Agent" initiatives, designed to disseminate a culture of innovation throughout the Regional Public Administration. These will encourage the adoption of new working methodologies and create a network of staff who will act as agents of change across various public bodies. The investment in the new building totalled €3,096,194.00, with €2,517,230.93 funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) and €578,963.07 secured by the Budget of the Autonomous Region of the Azores to cover VAT. With this opening, the Government of the Azores reinforces its commitment to advancing administrative modernisation, fostering a Public Administration that is more digital, collaborative, efficient and oriented towards the needs of citizens and businesses. The ceremony was attended by the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas; the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral; the Mayor of Angra do Heroísmo, Fátima Amorim; and the Deputy Mayor of Praia da Vitória, Emanuel Sousa, amongst other civil and institutional representatives. 

Nota de Imprensa
July 28, 2026
Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action marks World Nature Conservation Day with visit to Lagoa do Fogo
On World Nature Conservation Day, celebrated on July 28, the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, visited the renaturalisation works currently underway at the Lagoa do Fogo Nature Reserve. Developed as part of the LIFE IP Azores Natura project, the area represents one of the Region's most emblematic natural sites of highest ecological value. According to Alonso Miguel, the initiative “represents another opportunity to reinforce the Regional Government’s commitment to the protection and enhancement of our natural heritage,” emphasising that “the conservation of these ecosystems requires continuous, persistent work based on scientific knowledge.” The Regional Secretary responsible for the environment highlighted that "the LIFE IP Azores Natura project, coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, is the first integrated project approved in Portugal and the largest nature conservation project ever developed for the Azores. It provides an overall budget of €19.1 million—60% co-financed by the European Union—aiming to improve the conservation status of habitats and species across all Natura 2000 sites in the Azores." "The Lagoa do Fogo Nature Reserve is classified as a Special Area of Conservation under the Natura 2000 network, making it one of the key intervention areas for this project," he stated. The government official explained that "the intervention at this site covers an area of approximately eight hectares, where various operations have been carried out to control and remove cryptomeria and invasive alien species. So far, around 17,000 specimens of native and endemic Azorean species have been planted here, such as heather, Azores juniper, Azorean picconia, Azorean holly, Azores blueberry, and firetree." "This is indeed a very significant ecological recovery effort, requiring high levels of technical and operational capacity. We are pleased to note that, following the work carried out under this project, very positive results are already evident regarding habitat restoration. This is clear not only from the survival rate observed in the plantings—around 80%—but, above all, from the spontaneous and natural emergence of a very significant number of endemic and native plants, fulfilling one of the main goals of this nature conservation project," he continued. The Regional Secretary emphasised the idea that "protecting nature is an investment in the future of the Azores, especially since this entire natural heritage, when in balance, provides ecosystem services vital to the well-being, health and safety of our population. It also plays a decisive role in climate change mitigation and adaptation, which is why we have an obligation to protect it and pass it on to future generations." Alonso Miguel acknowledged that "although there is still much work ahead and many areas where continued intervention will be necessary, LIFE IP AZORES NATURA effectively represents an important step, both in improving our knowledge and in consolidating active conservation on the ground, based on practical, long-term actions." "In fact, LIFE IP AZORES NATURA has been demonstrating that, even in landscapes that are already relatively altered or degraded, it is possible to reverse some of these effects through habitat restoration, active conservation on the ground and the deepening of scientific knowledge," he continued. Also as part of the World Nature Conservation Day celebrations, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action organised a wide range of activities across all islands of the Azores, involving hundreds of children and young people from various schools and educational centres.

Nota de Imprensa
July 28, 2026
Regional Government boosts support for wine sector investment with opening of second VITIS Programme application period
The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food informs that the second application period for the “VITIS” and “VITIS – Organic” programmes is now open. As part of the 2026–2027 campaign, this programme focuses on the restructuring and conversion of vineyards in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, with an overall available budget of €1,785,000.00. Of this amount, €1,685,000.00 is earmarked for the "Restructuring and conversion of vineyards" measure, whilst the remaining €100,000 is allocated to the “Restructuring and conversion of organic vineyards,” clearly reinforcing the commitment to modernising the sector and promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. Applications may be submitted between 9 a.m. on July 27 and 5 p.m. on September 30, 2026, via the Financing Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries (IFAP) online platform. The applications will be subsequently assessed by the Vine and Wine Institute (IVV). The VITIS Programme is an important support tool for investment in regional viticulture, helping wine producers to restructure and reconvert their farms, improve competitiveness, and promote adaptation to current market demands. At the same time, this mechanism contributes decisively to the preservation of traditional grape varieties and the continuous improvement of the quality of the wines produced in the archipelago. For the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, "the VITIS Programme continues to prove itself a strategic tool for enhancing Azorean viticulture, allowing wine producers to invest in modernising their farms, boost competitiveness, and preserve a viticultural heritage that sets the Azores apart." The government official also assured that the Government is "committed to creating the conditions for the sector to continue growing sustainably, combining innovation, quality, and the enhancement of our grape varieties and wines, which are a cornerstone of the Region's agricultural identity." As such, the Regional Government urges all wine producers who meet the eligibility criteria to submit their applications during the application period, seizing this investment opportunity to bolster the vitality of the regional wine sector.

Nota de Imprensa
July 28, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro announces tender for new Ribeira Grande Health Centre with €26 million investment
The President of the Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, announced today that the Council of the Government has approved the opening of a public tender for the design-build contract of the new Ribeira Grande Health Centre—a €26-million investment aimed at boosting the Regional Health Service's capacity and improving care for more than 31,000 residents in the municipality of Ribeira Grande and on the island of São Miguel. The new facility will be built on a land plot measuring approximately 35,000 square meters located at Rua dos Bombeiros Voluntários. "This is a structural investment for Ribeira Grande and the Azores. We are creating a modern facility equipped to meet the current and future needs of the population, enhancing access to healthcare and valuing the work of the professionals who serve the Azorean people daily," stated José Manuel Bolieiro. The new facility will replace the current Ribeira Grande Health Centre, whose layout and size no longer adequately meet the demands of modern healthcare delivery or the evolving needs of the population. The project will significantly strengthen the primary healthcare network on the island of São Miguel, ensuring better operating conditions, greater care capacity, and more specialised services. The future Health Centre has been designed to ensure an integrated and comprehensive response, featuring a large outpatient unit with 16 medical offices, 15 nursing offices, and three dental offices, thereby increasing patient capacity and improving public access to consultations, local healthcare and disease prevention. The facility will also house a Basic Emergency Unit with four medical offices and observation capacity for eight adults and six children, ensuring a faster and more effective emergency response. The project also includes a Minor Surgery Room, allowing various procedures to be performed without requiring hospital admission. In the area of complementary diagnostic and therapeutic tools, the new Health Centre will be fitted with a clinical laboratory, computed tomography (CT) scan, X-ray, ultrasound room, cardiology and pulmonology offices, as well as a modern and fully equipped physiotherapy unit. These capabilities will allow a higher number of exams and treatments to be performed directly in Ribeira Grande, reducing patient travel and promoting faster diagnoses. One of the project's most significant aspects concerns the creation of three wards with a total of 63 beds, strengthening capacity for inpatient care, long-term care, and local clinical monitoring—a response long identified as necessary to better serve the population of both the municipality and the island. "This investment reflects the priority we give to bolstering the Regional Health Service. We want to ensure more accessible, closer and high-quality healthcare, while simultaneously creating better conditions for our professionals and preparing the health system for future challenges," emphasisised José Manuel Bolieiro. The works contract will be carried out through a design-build model, allowing the design and construction of the project to be developed in a coordinated manner, thereby promoting greater efficiency in delivering this strategic investment for the Region. With this project, the Government of the Azores reiterates its commitment to modernising healthcare infrastructure, boosting the capacity of the Regional Health Service and improving the quality of life for the Azorean population.