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Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Diversification of Regional Network of Hiking Trails qualifies destination and decentralises tourist flows, says Berta Cabral
Diversification of Regional Network of Hiking Trails qualifies destination and decentralises tourist flows, says Berta Cabral
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
New Azores Tourism portal provides tourists and investors with easier access to tourist information
New Azores Tourism portal provides tourists and investors with easier access to tourist information
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
"Tourism Strategy 2035" conference on October 21 in Ponta Delgada
"Tourism Strategy 2035" conference on October 21 in Ponta Delgada
February 21, 2025
Diversification of Regional Network of Hiking Trails qualifies destination and decentralises tourist flows, says Berta Cabral
November 13, 2024
New Azores Tourism portal provides tourists and investors with easier access to tourist information
October 16, 2024
"Tourism Strategy 2035" conference on October 21 in Ponta Delgada
News
Nota de Imprensa
February 21, 2025
Diversification of Regional Network of Hiking Trails qualifies destination and decentralises tourist flows, says Berta Cabral
Fourteen new hiking trails are being implemented, which will be part of the Regional Network of Hiking Trails shortly, along with three new trail proposals approved at the last meeting of the Hiking Trails Monitoring Committee (CAPP). The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Berta Cabral, defended that "these interventions fall within the destination qualification policy defined in the Strategic and Marketing Plan for Tourism in the Azores (PEMTA 2030), expanding and diversifying the Regional Network of Hiking Trails in the Azores." Currently, the Regional Network of Hiking Trails has 96 approved hiking trails, totalling 838 km signposted with internationally recognised marks and codes that ensure safety conditions for hikers and environmental protection in the areas where they are located. "For two consecutive years, we have been distinguished as the “Best Adventure Tourism Destination in the World” and these new routes allow us to continue the work of elevating the tourist experience and consolidating the Azores' position as a destination of excellence for this type of tourism - active, silent, nature and adventure tourism," stressed Berta Cabral. Two of the three proposals for new hiking trails are located in Terceira, and the other in São Jorge. On the island of Terceira, the proposal to create the Lagoa do Cerro Trail, 5.5 kilometres long, was approved by the Angra do Heroísmo City Council. It highlights the Lagoa do Cerro, which gives the trail its name, a wetland of great ecological interest and a privileged place for observing local and migratory birds. There is also the Ribeiras/Matas da Agualva Trail, about eight kilometres long, presented by the Agualva Parish Council. It features a rich historical and cultural heritage linked to the water architecture, with mills, "pulos" (waterfalls), gullies, stone sinks, washhouses and other interesting infrastructures that portray the historical connection between the community and the local water resources. On São Jorge Island, the Santo Antão Parish Council presented the Grutões Trail, which is around 6.5 kilometres long, taking visitors to the "Grutões" site and passing by Fajã de São João. This route provides a unique experience for experienced hikers, immersed in nature and local history, recalling the ancient crossings that connected people to the fajãs in search of milder climates during the winter. The promoters of these new approved trails will implement the routes by the beginning of next year. The Regional Directorate for Tourism will be responsible for the respective signposting as well as the installation of information panels and promotion on the Tourism Portal. The Regional Network of Hiking Trails in the Azores is systematically monitored, supervised and improved by the Support Centre for Nature Tourism Activities of the Regional Tourism Directorate. In 2024, 183 monitoring reports were produced, corresponding to more than 2,000 km travelled and inspected on the various trails that make up the network, which resulted in 85 remediation actions. At the end of the year, 8 routes were temporarily closed, mostly due to safety issues related to geomorphological instability. In addition, significant work was carried out on signpost maintenance, particularly on the islands of Pico and Flores, where the signs and trailheads were improved. This work is fundamental to ensuring the quality and safety of hiking trails, a pillar of sustainable tourism in the Azores. Berta Cabral recalled that "hiking trails continue to be one of the region's main tourist attractions, providing visitors and residents with the opportunity to explore the natural beauty, cultural richness and history of the islands by foot. This brings them into genuine contact with Nature and, often, with the Human nature" of the Azores. The Hiking Trails Monitoring Committee is composed of the following members: a representative of the Regional Directorate for Tourism, a representative of the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action, a representative of the Regional Directorate for Forest Resources, a representative of VisitAzores and a representative of hiking associations in the Region. It also includes a representative of the Association of Municipalities of the Autonomous Region of the Azores and a representative of the Regional Branch of the National Association of Parishes. This committee is responsible, among other things, for reviewing or revoking the classifications of hiking trails and issuing opinions on matters concerning hiking trails.
February 21, 2025
Diversification of Regional Network of Hiking Trails qualifies destination and decentralises tourist flows, says Berta Cabral
Fourteen new hiking trails are being implemented, which will be part of the Regional Network of Hiking Trails shortly, along with three new trail proposals approved at the last meeting of the Hiking Trails Monitoring Committee (CAPP). The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Berta Cabral, defended that "these interventions fall within the destination qualification policy defined in the Strategic and Marketing Plan for Tourism in the Azores (PEMTA 2030), expanding and diversifying the Regional Network of Hiking Trails in the Azores." Currently, the Regional Network of Hiking Trails has 96 approved hiking trails, totalling 838 km signposted with internationally recognised marks and codes that ensure safety conditions for hikers and environmental protection in the areas where they are located. "For two consecutive years, we have been distinguished as the “Best Adventure Tourism Destination in the World” and these new routes allow us to continue the work of elevating the tourist experience and consolidating the Azores' position as a destination of excellence for this type of tourism - active, silent, nature and adventure tourism," stressed Berta Cabral. Two of the three proposals for new hiking trails are located in Terceira, and the other in São Jorge. On the island of Terceira, the proposal to create the Lagoa do Cerro Trail, 5.5 kilometres long, was approved by the Angra do Heroísmo City Council. It highlights the Lagoa do Cerro, which gives the trail its name, a wetland of great ecological interest and a privileged place for observing local and migratory birds. There is also the Ribeiras/Matas da Agualva Trail, about eight kilometres long, presented by the Agualva Parish Council. It features a rich historical and cultural heritage linked to the water architecture, with mills, "pulos" (waterfalls), gullies, stone sinks, washhouses and other interesting infrastructures that portray the historical connection between the community and the local water resources. On São Jorge Island, the Santo Antão Parish Council presented the Grutões Trail, which is around 6.5 kilometres long, taking visitors to the "Grutões" site and passing by Fajã de São João. This route provides a unique experience for experienced hikers, immersed in nature and local history, recalling the ancient crossings that connected people to the fajãs in search of milder climates during the winter. The promoters of these new approved trails will implement the routes by the beginning of next year. The Regional Directorate for Tourism will be responsible for the respective signposting as well as the installation of information panels and promotion on the Tourism Portal. The Regional Network of Hiking Trails in the Azores is systematically monitored, supervised and improved by the Support Centre for Nature Tourism Activities of the Regional Tourism Directorate. In 2024, 183 monitoring reports were produced, corresponding to more than 2,000 km travelled and inspected on the various trails that make up the network, which resulted in 85 remediation actions. At the end of the year, 8 routes were temporarily closed, mostly due to safety issues related to geomorphological instability. In addition, significant work was carried out on signpost maintenance, particularly on the islands of Pico and Flores, where the signs and trailheads were improved. This work is fundamental to ensuring the quality and safety of hiking trails, a pillar of sustainable tourism in the Azores. Berta Cabral recalled that "hiking trails continue to be one of the region's main tourist attractions, providing visitors and residents with the opportunity to explore the natural beauty, cultural richness and history of the islands by foot. This brings them into genuine contact with Nature and, often, with the Human nature" of the Azores. The Hiking Trails Monitoring Committee is composed of the following members: a representative of the Regional Directorate for Tourism, a representative of the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action, a representative of the Regional Directorate for Forest Resources, a representative of VisitAzores and a representative of hiking associations in the Region. It also includes a representative of the Association of Municipalities of the Autonomous Region of the Azores and a representative of the Regional Branch of the National Association of Parishes. This committee is responsible, among other things, for reviewing or revoking the classifications of hiking trails and issuing opinions on matters concerning hiking trails.
Nota de Imprensa
November 13, 2024
New Azores Tourism portal provides tourists and investors with easier access to tourist information
Presented at the Azores Tourism Summit earlier this month, the new Azores Tourism Portal (https://turismo.azores.gov.pt/) aims to provide easier access to tourist information in the Region and streamline the user experience. The Azores Tourism Portal is an innovative platform that centralises on a single official website a wide range of tourism-related services and content previously scattered across various channels to provide a more efficient and integrated experience for all users. The new website encompasses all the relevant institutional information, from the legislation in force on licensing activities and financial incentives to the services and tourist resources under the responsibility of the Regional Directorate for Tourism, such as the Azores Routes and hiking trails. In addition, it provides information on the strategic tools for tourism development in the region, including PEMTA 2030 - the Strategic and Marketing Plan for Tourism in the Azores. This new communication tool gives entrepreneurs and potential investors centralised access to regulatory and strategic information designed to guide promoters in the planning and decision-making process of possible investments, providing tools and resources that enable the development of new businesses and tourism initiatives. New resources will soon be made available, ensuring that many of the processes that used to take place via email can now be handled via the tourism platform. The new Azores Tourism Portal is the result of the dematerialisation and digital transition process in this sector, which has already begun at Tourist Information Offices, providing digital access (with the possibility of downloading) to all island brochures and maps. The platform also includes a section focused on the Region's tourism offer, with all kinds of tourist information for each of the nine islands, namely geography, history, gastronomy, places to visit and activities to do, among others. Additionally, it contains a section listing licensed accommodation companies, tourist entertainment on land and at sea, car rentals, travel agencies, restaurants and public transport, as well as links to other platforms and information materials in digital format. With this new digital tool, the Regional Directorate for Tourism ensures a dynamic and permanent communication channel with all its audiences, reinforcing its commitment to promoting the sustainable development of tourism in the Azores and encouraging innovation and growth in the sector.
November 13, 2024
New Azores Tourism portal provides tourists and investors with easier access to tourist information
Presented at the Azores Tourism Summit earlier this month, the new Azores Tourism Portal (https://turismo.azores.gov.pt/) aims to provide easier access to tourist information in the Region and streamline the user experience. The Azores Tourism Portal is an innovative platform that centralises on a single official website a wide range of tourism-related services and content previously scattered across various channels to provide a more efficient and integrated experience for all users. The new website encompasses all the relevant institutional information, from the legislation in force on licensing activities and financial incentives to the services and tourist resources under the responsibility of the Regional Directorate for Tourism, such as the Azores Routes and hiking trails. In addition, it provides information on the strategic tools for tourism development in the region, including PEMTA 2030 - the Strategic and Marketing Plan for Tourism in the Azores. This new communication tool gives entrepreneurs and potential investors centralised access to regulatory and strategic information designed to guide promoters in the planning and decision-making process of possible investments, providing tools and resources that enable the development of new businesses and tourism initiatives. New resources will soon be made available, ensuring that many of the processes that used to take place via email can now be handled via the tourism platform. The new Azores Tourism Portal is the result of the dematerialisation and digital transition process in this sector, which has already begun at Tourist Information Offices, providing digital access (with the possibility of downloading) to all island brochures and maps. The platform also includes a section focused on the Region's tourism offer, with all kinds of tourist information for each of the nine islands, namely geography, history, gastronomy, places to visit and activities to do, among others. Additionally, it contains a section listing licensed accommodation companies, tourist entertainment on land and at sea, car rentals, travel agencies, restaurants and public transport, as well as links to other platforms and information materials in digital format. With this new digital tool, the Regional Directorate for Tourism ensures a dynamic and permanent communication channel with all its audiences, reinforcing its commitment to promoting the sustainable development of tourism in the Azores and encouraging innovation and growth in the sector.