Azores are example of sustainable tourism, says José Manuel Bolieiro at BTL 2025
Lisbon
Presidência do Governo Regional
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, attended the second day of Better Tourism Lisboa (BTL) 2025, where he received the President of the Portuguese Parliament, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco.
During the meeting, Aguiar-Branco praised the Azores' role in projecting Portugal internationally, highlighting the Region as an example in the areas of tourism and ocean sustainability.
"The Azores are a region that has given so much and much to give. They are an example nationwide, not only in tourism but also in the conservation and sustainable use of the sea," stated the President of the National Assembly.
José Manuel Bolieiro expressed his pride at the Azores' recognition as a tourist destination of excellence, noting that the archipelago stands out for the quality of the experience and its good environmental practices.
"Our commitment is not just to attract visitors but to establish the Azores as a sustainable tourist destination, where the development of the sector benefits those visiting us and those living here," he said.
The head of the Regional Government emphasised that the Azores were the first archipelago in the world to be Gold certified as a "Sustainable Destination." This reflects a continuous effort to preserve the environment and promote responsible tourism.
For the Regional Government, sustainability is not just a goal but a guiding principle for the Region's economic and social growth.
The Azores' strategy for tourism is based on the differentiation and authenticity of our destination, investing in innovation and digitisation to improve visitor experience and the quality of life of the local population.
"We want tourism that values our natural and cultural resources, respects environmental balance and contributes to the harmonious development of our communities," emphasised José Manuel Bolieiro.
In recent years, the growth rate in tourism revenue has been higher than in overnight stays, which shows that the Azores focus on quality rather than quantity. This approach aims to guarantee a sustainable tourism model and prepare the Region for an increasingly competitive and demanding future on the international stage.
