Berta Cabral defends investments in improving quality of tourism services to boost Azores’ competitiveness - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas

The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures highlighted this week the importance of investing in improving the quality of the Azores’ tourism offer, during the opening of The Book Boutique Hotel in Horta and the presentation of the refurbishment works of the São Miguel Park Hotel in Ponta Delgada.

At the opening of The Book Boutique Hotel, the Regional Secretary emphasised that the opening of new top-quality accommodation facilities is a key factor in boosting the Azores’ competitiveness in both the domestic and international markets.

“Enhancing the destination’s attractiveness is not just about increasing the number of options; it is, above all, about improving the quality of what is on offer,” she said, noting that this type of project creates added value for the destination, investors, workers and the local communities.

The Regional Secretary pointed out that Faial currently has 371 tourist accommodation establishments, with a capacity of 2,810 beds, including 866 in traditional hospitality. In this context, she considered that the new project is an important contribution to the diversification and enhancement of the island’s tourism offer.

According to the government official, the investment, now completed, will help raise tourism quality standards on the island of Faial, create skilled jobs, boost the local economy and strengthen the island’s image as a destination of excellence in the Atlantic.

“The Government of the Azores will continue to work alongside investors, entrepreneurs and industry professionals, promoting the sustained development of tourism, based on quality, distinctiveness and respect for local identity and communities,” she said.

At the presentation of the refurbishment works of the São Miguel Park Hotel in Ponta Delgada, the Regional Secretary highlighted the pivotal role of private investment in consolidating and enhancing tourism in the Azores.

Noting that the project symbolises the upgrading, modernisation and development process that the sector has been undergoing, the Regional Secretary praised the Bensaude Group's confidence in the Azorean economy and tourism.

“Despite the current challenges and a less dynamic situation in some markets, the long-term outlook for regional tourism remains strong, as evidenced by the many investments that continue to emerge,” she said.

Berta Cabral pointed out that the Azores currently have around 43,000 tourist beds, with 64% in private accommodation, representing an increase of more than 16,000 beds since 2019. She also noted that the archipelago has 137 hotels, including 64 on the island of São Miguel, providing more than 8,000 beds.

The government official also highlighted the Azores’ international recognition as a Gold-Level Sustainable Destination, noting that this distinction boosts the Region’s standing in the tourism markets and enhances the profile of all stakeholders in the regional tourism sector.

Regarding air access, she pointed out that 16 airlines will operate in the Azores this summer with 30 routes and links to 12 countries, whilst the Region continues to work closely with its various partners to boost connections and create new opportunities over longer periods of the year.

The government official highlighted the historic and strategic role of the Bensaúde Group in the development of this sector in the Azores, considering it one of its main pillars.

“The investment in the São Miguel Park Hotel demonstrates a long-term vision as well as a clear commitment to the quality of the tourist experience and the comfort and well-being of visitors,” she said.

The refurbishment of the hotel has created more modern, functional and integrated spaces, aligned with current trends in the hospitality industry and the expectations of increasingly discerning visitors, whilst strengthening its ties with the local community.

The government official concluded by emphasising that projects such as The Book Boutique Hotel and the refurbished São Miguel Park Hotel reflect the regional strategy of continuously improving the quality of the tourism offer and help establish the Azores as a competitive, sustainable and high-quality destination.

“It is this sort of investment that positions the Azores as an attractive and competitive destination in line with the major trends in international tourism,” he concluded.