USA, Spain and Germany are main foreign source markets for tourists visiting the Azores
Ponta Delgada
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
The Survey on the Satisfaction of Tourists Visiting the Azores - High Season 2024, conducted by the Azores Sustainable Tourism Observatory, indicates that the United States of America (21.23%), Spain (20.84%) and Germany (20.71%) were in the top three foreign source markets.
This survey represents a universe of 469,646 tourists, according to the number of guests in traditional hospitality in the Azores during the 2024 high season on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira and Faial.
1,550 surveys were considered valid, with 273 (17.73% of the sample) residing in Portugal and 1,267 (82.27% of the sample) residing abroad. The three main foreign source markets listed were identified in the latter group.
When asked why they travelled to the Azores, the majority of respondents stated that they had been recommended by family and friends (29.74%), followed by the Internet (14.48%), previous visits (8.31%) and social media (7.86%).
Other reasons given were safe destination (6.10%), little-known destination (5.45%), island destination (4.68%), sustainable nature destination (4.61%), agent/tour operator recommendation (4.61%), proximity destination (3.64%), destination price (3.51%), brochures, travel guides, promotional material (1.49%), media advertising (1.04%), and promotional fairs and events (0.91%).
Based on the available data, it can be noted that 35% of spending and consumption is on transport and accommodation (over €1,000) and 57.7% (between €200 and €499) on restaurants.
As for tourist satisfaction with air transport, 73.2% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the price and punctuality, for example.
In terms of accommodation, 81.6% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the aspects presented and in terms of restaurants, 73.4% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the aspects indicated.
As for the destination's characteristics, the highest levels of satisfaction with natural resources and landscapes stand out, while the highest levels of satisfaction with entertainment activities carried out in the destination are hiking trails and visits to cultural heritage.
Aspects for improvement include public transport, the range of events available, restaurants, tourist signposting on roads and airport infrastructures.
It is also important to note that 73.3% of visitors showed interest in returning to the destination.
The figures for tourist activity in 2024, published earlier this year by the Regional Statistics Service, indicate that, for the first time in history, more than 4.2 million overnight stays were registered (+27.6% compared to 2022), more than 187 million Euros in hospitality revenue (+46.0% compared to 2022) and 18 million Euros in Rural Tourism, exceeding the 200 million-Euro figure and consolidating a growing and increasingly competitive reputation at international level.
These figures clearly confirm that 2024 was a true "golden year" and that tourism is undergoing a truly sustainable growth process. Tourism is a major driving force of the Azorean economy and the main economic activity creating wealth, jobs, investment and opportunities for the future of the archipelago.
The sector currently accounts for around 20% of Gross Value Added, 17% of GDP and 17% of regional employment. The Region is on the right track with the right policies.
The Azorean Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, has been working to promote the sustainable and resilient growth of the tourism sector through measurement and monitoring, supported by evidence and solid data.
