Berta Cabral says Airmet Convention in the Azores recognises Region's tourism potential - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas

The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures stated today in Angra do Heroísmo that holding the 20th Airmet Convention, which brings together about 450 travel agents on Terceira Island until Sunday, recognises the Azores' tourism potential.

Airmet is an independent travel agency management group, with this being the group's largest convention ever.

"Our Region provides high-quality conditions for the "Meetings & Incentives," a segment in which we have invested as a mechanism to mitigate seasonality and disperse tourist flows across all islands," said Berta Cabral.

Mentioning the remarkable way in which tourism has evolved in the Azores in recent years, she pointed out that now there is the "stimulating challenge of managing success in a destination that still has a lot to grow and develop."

"We have overcome challenges, invested in the quality of our tourism offer and are reaping the rewards of a sustainable development strategy, always with a vision of the future and prosperity," she emphasised.

The fact that 2024 is shaping up to be "the Golden Year" for tourism in the Azores, establishing the Region as an international destination of reference," demonstrates the “commitment to the development of the islands, tourism and local communities.”

The Regional Secretary for Tourism recalled the growth of more than 10 % in overnight stays and 18.5 % in traditional hospitality revenue (it is expected to exceed four million overnight stays and 175 million Euros in direct revenue from the hospitality sector). She also stated: "More than just figures, these results mean tourism that benefits our communities, creates employment, promotes investment and values our natural and cultural heritage."

The national and international recognition of the Azores as a destination of excellence was only possible "thanks to the joint efforts of all those who believe in the potential of tourism in the Azores and work to do more and better," she said. 

"This success also gives us the responsibility to continue to develop our tourism offer proactively, working to improve the structure, quality and consistency of the experience and services we make available to tourists" she emphasised.

She continued: "In this respect, we have a clear course where our Nature - on land or at sea - and our Human Nature stand out as the cornerstones of our strategy for promoting the territory."

Berta Cabral mentioned Nature Tourism as a "priority product, rooted in unparalleled natural resources." However, she also stressed that “Cultural Tourism is becoming an increasingly important part of the strategy, reinforcing the role of Human Nature and authenticity in promoting the Azores as a destination of choice."

Sustainable development is a top priority, ensuring that tourism benefits both visitors and, most importantly, residents, respecting the environment and preserving the authenticity of the nine islands. The Azores is posited as a positive challenge for Airmet, which aims to promote the Azores as a year-round destination of excellence, offering unique value on all the islands.