- Licensing of Tourism Infrastructures
- Local Accommodation
Faial and Pico are honeymoon destinations for Santo António 2025 newlyweds
Berta Cabral defends that Sustainability Charter symbolises strategic commitment to modernisation and development of the Azores
Diversification of Regional Network of Hiking Trails qualifies destination and decentralises tourist flows, says Berta Cabral
The nine islands that make up the Azores Archipelago have distinctively different landscapes and a rich environmental, natural and cultural heritage.
They represent a true paradise for nature-lovers and those who enjoy active holidays. The existing range of activities on offer, which include golf, whale watching, hiking, big game fishing and diving, combined with quality hotels and rural tourism accommodation, facilities for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) and for cruise tourism guarantee an unforgettable holiday experience.
Tea production, the manufacture of cigars, the unique lakes, local cuisine and the friendliness of the local people are just some aspects of the Azores that make it a unique and different place to visit.
We are waiting for you!
June 14, 2025
Faial and Pico are honeymoon destinations for Santo António 2025 newlyweds
The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures highlights, with particular satisfaction and enthusiasm, the unparalleled partnership established between the Regional Government and the Lisbon City Council in associating the islands of Faial and Pico with the Santo António 2025 Weddings. Given the success of previous editions, which covered the islands of São Jorge (2022), Santa Maria (2023) and Graciosa (2024), this year, the Santo António Newlyweds' Honeymoon will be in Pico and Faial. Promoting the Azores, in general, and the islands of Pico and Faial, in particular, is the primary goal, considering their significant visibility in the national market. This initiative is particularly important for boosting and increasing the flow of tourists as well as promoting Pico and Faial as excellent honeymoon destinations. This challenge, led by the Regional Directorate for Tourism, has involved tireless efforts to ensure a dream honeymoon on these two islands of rare beauty for the 16 couples. From the outset, the municipalities of Horta and Madalena have recognised the scale and importance of Santo António Weddings for the Region's largest source market. This initiative will be an excellent opportunity to project the Azores as a destination, particularly Pico and Faial, encouraging visitors to come this summer. The unique characteristics of the islands – from culture to local cuisine, volcanic landscapes to diving, hiking trails to whale watching – make Pico and Faial a special destination. They provide excellent conditions for an unforgettable and safe experience, demonstrating that the Azores have much to offer visitors to each of the nine islands. The honeymoon for Santo António 202 newlyweds will take place from June 15 to 18. The Santo António Weddings are held on June 12 as part of the festivities celebrating Santo António.
March 31, 2025
Berta Cabral defends that Sustainability Charter symbolises strategic commitment to modernisation and development of the Azores
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, stated that the Azores Sustainability Charter reiterates the Azorean Government's firm commitment "to promoting and enhancing sustainability in the Region." Berta Cabral spoke Friday at the opening of the Forum "Progress of the Azores Sustainability Charter" at Nonagon - São Miguel Science and Technology Park in Lagoa, São Miguel Island. According to her, the Charter was conceived with a pioneering vision, aimed at transforming challenges into specific opportunities. "Since its launch, the pillars of cooperation, transparency, leadership and governance have guided the signatory organisations. This project, strongly backed by government investment, symbolises a strategic commitment to modernisation and sustainable economic development, which combines competitiveness with the preservation of our precious natural resources," she said. The Regional Secretary recalled that this strategic commitment is also acknowledged internationally, with the Gold Certification of the Azores as a sustainable destination by EarthCheck, a milestone that positions the Region as a global benchmark in reconciling economic development and environmental preservation. According to Berta Cabral, the Azores have grown in a sustained and sustainable manner when it comes to tourism, with an increase in revenue much higher than the growth in overnight stays and guests, representing more quality than quantity. As for the Azores Sustainability Charter, she noted that this "has also been consolidated year on year, and already includes 295 entities, including signatories and declarations of interest, with 14 of these being municipalities." The Regional Secretary highlighted all the work carried out, such as the promotion of 59 events and the training of more than 1,100 people, emphasising that these figures evidence "a collective commitment that grows and strengthens, demonstrating the transformative power of cooperation." She also emphasised the launch of the Regional Sustainability Award in November 2024, which consolidates the Regional Government's commitment to promoting corporate responsibility and innovation practices. "The 12 applications received and carefully assessed prove the positive impact of this initiative." The Azorean Government “is fully committed to encouraging and recognising the best examples of sustainable management, demonstrating that everyone's participation is essential for the transformation and modernisation of the regional economy.” As she stated, the Regional Sustainability Award reflects this goal and the foundations of the Charter (Leadership, Governance, Collaboration and Transparency) "reflect a strong commitment to sustainable practices." Berta Cabral thanked the Jury (João Ferrão, Teresa Tiago and Laetitia Arrighi) for their collaboration in selecting and analysing the applications. The selection was based on a "careful analysis using strict criteria regarding the technical quality, impact on the 2030 Agenda, integration into the Charter, innovation in processes and business models, and the establishment of partnerships." This ensured that the award winners stand out in the various dimensions of sustainability, and are a clear reflection of the collective effort and best practices they are promoting. She also thanked the signatories for their active and committed participation, which is fundamental to the success of this project. "The ongoing dialogue and close collaboration between the Government, through the Destination Sustainability Management Structure - DMO, and these entities reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and excellence in management," she said. The government official also emphasised the DMO's initiative and action and the Regional Directorate for Tourism in designing and conducting the entire process, which resulted in the Gold Certification of Destination Azores and the Regional Sustainability Award. It was a collective endeavour and a partnership between the Government and the private sector that evidences the individual effort and the joint efforts that "have the power to build a more resilient, innovative and sustainable future," stressed Berta Cabral. She concluded: "Our outlook for the future is marked by optimism and the determination to continue investing in sustainability. This event is another privileged space for sharing experiences and constructive debate. It symbolises the continuity of our political commitment to transforming current challenges into opportunities for growth and improvement for all citizens."