Investing in sustainable tourism infrastructure in the Azores is "actual and profitable opportunity," says Berta Cabral - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas

This Saturday, the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, highlighted the "growing importance of investing in tourism in the Azores, not only for the opportunities arising from it but also for the line of sustainable development the Government has been pursuing throughout its path."

Berta Cabral spoke on behalf of the President of the Government at the opening ceremony of the Azores Homes Resort & Spa, a new tourist accommodation unit located in Fajã de Baixo, Ponta Delgada.

With specific characteristics, the investment was made by an Azorean emigrant who, according to Berta, "saw an opportunity in the Azores for the tourism sector and invested in a resort aimed at the family segment, a strategic niche with great growth potential."

The Secretary for Tourism noted that "the moment chosen for the investment could not be more appropriate, as demand for accommodation has increased. Tourism in the Azores has seen sustainable and sustained growth since the pandemic, with significant increases in 2022, 2023 and 2024." This shows that the income generated by the sector has exceeded the growth in overnight stays, confirming the creation and maintenance of value in the Region.

Berta Cabral also emphasised that "tourism has a significant overall impact on the regional economy, being one of the sectors that most leverages the development of other activities, generating employment for almost 20 thousand people, corresponding to more than 17% of the working population."

At the same time, she recalled the importance of the increase in air transport for tourist demand in the archipelago.

"The Azores currently have solid air connectivity with the outside world, receiving visitors from various countries throughout the year. More than 14 airlines are operating in the Region, including TAP and SATA, as well as other international carriers, linking the Azores to key markets in Europe, the United States and Canada," stated the government official. She gave the example of the daily frequencies of flights to New York, Boston and Toronto, among others, reflecting the growing interest in the destination."

As a result, the Region's attractiveness is also evidenced by its international recognition.

"The Azores are the only region in the world to be Gold-certified for sustainability by Earthcheck and were voted the world's best adventure destination in 2023 and 2024. The combination of exuberant nature and a structured tourist offer gives the Azores a privileged position in the global tourism market," she continued.

Berta Cabral noted that it is also by investing in long-term tourism, a growing trend, that seasonality is being reduced and more visitors are being attracted all year round.

"The new development can respond to this need, providing suitable accommodation for families travelling with children and close relatives whilst offering them privacy and comfort," she said.

Berta Cabral ended her speech by wishing, on behalf of the Azorean Government, every success for the project. She also called for continued investment in the Region, pointing out that "the Azores provide ideal conditions for sustainable businesses that boost economic and social growth" in the archipelago.