Berta Cabral defends sea as key pillar of Azores’ tourism offer - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas

The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, stated at a conference in Ponta Delgada that “the sea is a defining feature of the Azores’ territory, economy and culture, and is one of the most important pillars of the Region’s appeal as a tourist destination.”

The Regional Secretary spoke at the opening session of the first edition of the Azores Wave Conference, an initiative of the “Save Azores Waves” Movement, which took place at the University of the Azores. The session was also attended by the Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, and the Secretary of State for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Salvador Malheiro.

For Berta Cabral, this meeting was “a huge opportunity and a strategic contribution, bringing together people from such diverse backgrounds to discuss a topic that is absolutely fundamental to the Region: the sea.”

According to her, the international recognition of the Azores as a Sustainable Tourism Destination – Gold Level, Level II “is not a matter of chance,” but rather “the result of consistent and demanding work in planning, management and community involvement.”

She added: “This recognition reflects a very clear vision: tourism is only truly successful if it respects natural resources, values people and ensures lasting benefits for the Region.”

Berta Cabral emphasised that sustainable development “is not an end in itself, but an ongoing process that requires evolution and the ability to adapt, something intrinsic to human nature.”

In this context, she highlighted the key role of the sea in Nature Tourism, a priority strategic product defined in the Strategic and Marketing Plan for Tourism in the Azores for 2030.

The government official also highlighted “the historic transition from whaling – an extractive activity – to whale watching – a sustainable activity. It is one of the Region’s greatest achievements, a source of pride for us all, and one that deserves to be celebrated."

For Berta Cabral, this example “shows how it is possible to revitalise economic practices, protect natural heritage, generate value, create skilled jobs and achieve international recognition”.

The Regional Secretary pointed out that the sea, as a key component of the Azores’ tourism offer, goes far beyond water sports and leisure activities. She highlighted the themed routes interpreting the history, culture and maritime identity of the islands, such as the Whaling Route, which encompasses not only the legacy of the former whaling industry, but also the promotion of traditions, fishing communities, seafarers and shipbuilding.

The government official also indicated that this integrated approach will be reinforced by the development of the future Maritime Expansion Route, which will highlight the strategic importance of the Azores throughout Portuguese history.

In the context of promoting the sea as a tourist asset, Berta Cabral noted that surfing—among other sports—is increasingly establishing itself as a sporting activity and a tourism product of growing importance for the Region.

The government official concluded by emphasising that the Regional Government “will remain committed to promoting public policies that balance tourism, sport, the environment and spatial planning, based on sustainability, science and public participation.”

She concluded: “It is with this mindset that we believe everything related to the sea is essential to achieving our goal of year-round tourism on all islands."