Tourism revenue rises 15% in May, strengthening Azores destination value - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas

The Azores registered a 15% increase in tourism revenue in May 2026, according to data now released by the Azores Regional Statistics Service (SREA), confirming the sector’s resilience and the success of the Azorean Government’s strategy to establish the Region as a tourist destination of excellence that is sustainable and generates value.

According to the data released, the overall revenue from the tourist accommodation sector reached €24.6 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 15.0%. Accommodation revenue grew by 9.5% compared with the same period last year, totalling €17.9 million.

Profitability indicators also point to an increase in tourist demand, with revenue per available room (RevPAR) reaching €96.24 and average daily rate (ADR) standing at €128.59.

These results are particularly significant as they demonstrate that the Azores continue to grow in value, consolidating a tourism model that prioritises the quality of the experience, sustainability and the ability to generate greater economic returns for businesses and the regional economy.

Against an international backdrop marked by economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and challenges facing the tourism industry on a global scale, the 2.2% decline in overnight stays demonstrates the remarkable resilience of the Azores as a destination. More importantly, the figures show that, despite this slight decrease, the sector still managed to generate more revenue and boost its profitability, reflecting a higher-quality demand from visitors with greater purchasing power.

This performance confirms the Azores’ growing reputation as a competitive destination in both the domestic and international markets, capable of attracting visitors who praise authenticity, nature, safety, sustainability and the quality of the regional tourism offer.

The confidence of international markets in the Azores’ potential as a tourist destination is also reflected in the growing interest shown by airlines in operating to the Region. Tuesday’s inaugural flight by Austrian Airlines is another clear sign of the destination’s appeal and the international recognition of its ability to attract new tourist flows and diversify its source markets.

Tourism continues to play a strategic role in the economic development of the Azores, generating positive impacts across a wide range of sectors, from accommodation, catering and transport to retail, agriculture, fisheries, regional production and services. As such, it contributes to job creation, the revitalisation of the local economy and the maintenance of the local population.

In this context, it is also important to highlight the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Regional Government and Turismo de Portugal (national tourism authority) this week. The agreement will deepen collaboration in promoting the destination, enhancing the quality of the tourism offer and showcasing the Region’s distinctive resources and products, thereby boosting the Azores’ competitiveness within the national and international tourism scene.

The results now available confirm that the Azores are consolidating a path of sustained growth, based not only on increased demand but also on greater economic value, market diversification and the ongoing improvement of the range of products and services available.

This progress has been underpinned by a clear and consistent strategy on the part of the Regional Government. It is based on improving air accessibility, promoting the destination abroad, enhancing tourism infrastructure, upskilling the workforce and committing to a model of sustainable development that reconciles economic growth with the preservation of the archipelago’s natural, environmental and cultural heritage.

The May results provide further confirmation that the Azores are establishing themselves as one of the most distinctive, sustainable and highly regarded tourist destinations in the Atlantic, capable of attracting new markets, generating more wealth and creating more opportunities for the Azorean population.