José Manuel Bolieiro highlights "sustainable growth and quality" of the Azores at BTL - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, attended today the opening of Better Tourism Lisboa (BTL) 2025, where he emphasised the sustained and qualitative growth of tourism in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

"The Azores have huge potential to grow in terms of quantity but we have seen consistent growth and, above all, qualitative growth," stated José Manuel Bolieiro. He emphasised that the Region has focused on quality, excellence and certification of tourism products and activities, ensuring more added value for operators.

The 2024 figures demonstrate the success of tourism in the Azores. For the first time, the archipelago recorded more than 4.2 million overnight stays, representing growth of 12.4% compared to 2023 and 27.6% compared to 2022. Hospitality revenue exceeded 187 million Euros, an increase of 46% compared to 2022 while Rural Tourism exceeded 18 million Euros. Overall, tourism revenue exceeded 200 million Euros, reinforcing the Region's international reputation and competitiveness.

The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted the Azores' distinction as the first archipelago in the world to obtain the Gold Level of the "Sustainable Destination" certification by Earth Check, achieved in 2024. Moreover, over the last two years, the Region has been voted "Best Adventure Tourism Destination in the World" and "Europe" by the World Travel Awards.

"We are the first archipelago in the world to be certified as a 'Sustainable Destination,' already at Gold Level," he pointed out.

The Region's tourism strategy is based on the motto "Tourism all year round on all islands," with initiatives to mitigate seasonality and promote the dispersion of tourist flows. 

The Regional Government has encouraged airlines to extend operations to the middle and low seasons, promoted selective campaigns in winter and invested in additional inter-island flights to encourage mobility.

José Manuel Bolieiro also stressed that sustainability is at the core of regional tourism development, benefiting residents and visitors.

"We defend that tourism is only good as long as it is good for those visiting us but, above all, as long as it is good for those living here," he noted.

During his visit to BTL, the President of the Regional Government toured forty stands of the 37 regional tourism companies and agents present at the event as well as the spaces representing the 19 Azorean municipalities. At the occasion, he emphasised the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors for the sustained growth of tourism.

The Minister of the Economy, Pedro Reis, also visited the Azores stand and highlighted the Region as an example to follow in the national tourism strategy.

"The Azores are a growing powerhouse and a success story in their commitment to quality, sustainable and distinctive tourism. We should value this model and replicate it," stated Pedro Reis.

The President of the Government stressed that the revenue growth has outstripped that of overnight stays, highlighting the destination's commitment to quality.

"We are growing more in quality than in quantity. This is an extremely important factor for the destination's sustainability that will prepare us for an increasingly competitive future," he concluded.