Email:
Phone:
Fax:
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Berta Cabral says Canadian tourism is booming in the Azores and on the rise
Berta Cabral says Canadian tourism is booming in the Azores and on the rise
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Government opens redevelopment works at Ferraria Viewpoint
Regional Government opens redevelopment works at Ferraria Viewpoint
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
November 21, 2024
Berta Cabral says Canadian tourism is booming in the Azores and on the rise
November 16, 2024
Regional Government opens redevelopment works at Ferraria Viewpoint
November 13, 2024
New Azores Tourism portal provides tourists and investors with easier access to tourist information
News
Nota de Imprensa
November 21, 2024
Berta Cabral says Canadian tourism is booming in the Azores and on the rise
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, stated on Wednesday that "Canada is now a fast-growing tourist market in the Azores" and the trend, she believes, will grow "over the next few years." Berta Cabral spoke at the opening session of the ACTA (Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors) International Destination Conference, which is taking place at the Teatro Micaelense in Ponta Delgada. At this first international conference held in the Azores, she recalled the "special history of emigration and bilateral agreements" that the Azores share with Canada. She also mentioned that the relations between both parties "‘go beyond the diaspora as far as Canadian tourism has been registering significant growth in the Region." "Canada is now one of the top five international source markets for tourism in the Azores. Overnight stays by Canadian tourists grew about 63% last year, and we anticipate another significant increase this year," she said. According to Berta Cabral, "Visit Azores, the tourism promotion agency, has been working hard towards this goal." She continued: "The fact that we are welcoming you here today proves our commitment to this. Organising this event is an important opportunity to showcase the beauty of our islands, the hospitality of our people and the quality of our tourism offer." Pointing out that tourism in the Azores has been flourishing and registering significant growth in recent years, the Regional Secretary for Tourism highlighted the increase in overnight stays by almost 16% in 2023, with the prospect of surpassing four million overnight stays this year. "Today, tourism represents around one billion Euros in the Azorean economy, which corresponds to about 17% of the GDP, 16% of jobs and 20% of the GVA," she said. "This is one of the most important sectors of our economy, with a unique ability to positively influence others, driving economic growth, job creation, investment opportunities, income diversification and sustainable development," she added. Recalling that the Azores achieved Gold Level certification as a Sustainable Destination by Earth Check, being the first in the world to do so, Berta Cabral noted that "this achievement highlights the Region's commitment to sustainable development, respecting communities, their way of life and cultural uniqueness." "Tourism will continue to be at the core of our long-term political strategy for regional progress and prosperity. We will continue to invest in the development of infrastructures, products, services and tourist experiences as well as in international promotion activities, with a particular focus on the North American market," she said. Mentioning that the Azores were voted the "Best Adventure Tourism Destination in the World" in 2023 and the "Best Adventure Tourism Destination in Europe" for several years, she insisted that tourism all year round and on all islands is possible. "Nature tourism is our main product, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, canyoning, bird watching, whale watching, mountain biking, kayaking, diving, surfing, sailing and much more, in addition to authentic cultural experiences," she emphasised. Berta Cabral stated that ACTA, "with its well-deserved reputation and more than 3,000 members, is the perfect partner to help promote the Azores across Canada and provide Canadian travellers with a unique experience in a world-leading sustainable destination." "We are optimistic that this is just the beginning of a long, successful and mutually beneficial partnership," she concluded. The ACTA international conference brings together about 150 travel agents and travel advisors from Canada to the Azores, representing an effort by Visit Azores and the National Authority as part of the Region's external promotion process. It also falls within the strategy of mitigating tourist seasonality by harnessing the installed capacity and potential of the "Meetings & Incentives" segment in the Azores.
November 21, 2024
Berta Cabral says Canadian tourism is booming in the Azores and on the rise
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, stated on Wednesday that "Canada is now a fast-growing tourist market in the Azores" and the trend, she believes, will grow "over the next few years." Berta Cabral spoke at the opening session of the ACTA (Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors) International Destination Conference, which is taking place at the Teatro Micaelense in Ponta Delgada. At this first international conference held in the Azores, she recalled the "special history of emigration and bilateral agreements" that the Azores share with Canada. She also mentioned that the relations between both parties "‘go beyond the diaspora as far as Canadian tourism has been registering significant growth in the Region." "Canada is now one of the top five international source markets for tourism in the Azores. Overnight stays by Canadian tourists grew about 63% last year, and we anticipate another significant increase this year," she said. According to Berta Cabral, "Visit Azores, the tourism promotion agency, has been working hard towards this goal." She continued: "The fact that we are welcoming you here today proves our commitment to this. Organising this event is an important opportunity to showcase the beauty of our islands, the hospitality of our people and the quality of our tourism offer." Pointing out that tourism in the Azores has been flourishing and registering significant growth in recent years, the Regional Secretary for Tourism highlighted the increase in overnight stays by almost 16% in 2023, with the prospect of surpassing four million overnight stays this year. "Today, tourism represents around one billion Euros in the Azorean economy, which corresponds to about 17% of the GDP, 16% of jobs and 20% of the GVA," she said. "This is one of the most important sectors of our economy, with a unique ability to positively influence others, driving economic growth, job creation, investment opportunities, income diversification and sustainable development," she added. Recalling that the Azores achieved Gold Level certification as a Sustainable Destination by Earth Check, being the first in the world to do so, Berta Cabral noted that "this achievement highlights the Region's commitment to sustainable development, respecting communities, their way of life and cultural uniqueness." "Tourism will continue to be at the core of our long-term political strategy for regional progress and prosperity. We will continue to invest in the development of infrastructures, products, services and tourist experiences as well as in international promotion activities, with a particular focus on the North American market," she said. Mentioning that the Azores were voted the "Best Adventure Tourism Destination in the World" in 2023 and the "Best Adventure Tourism Destination in Europe" for several years, she insisted that tourism all year round and on all islands is possible. "Nature tourism is our main product, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, canyoning, bird watching, whale watching, mountain biking, kayaking, diving, surfing, sailing and much more, in addition to authentic cultural experiences," she emphasised. Berta Cabral stated that ACTA, "with its well-deserved reputation and more than 3,000 members, is the perfect partner to help promote the Azores across Canada and provide Canadian travellers with a unique experience in a world-leading sustainable destination." "We are optimistic that this is just the beginning of a long, successful and mutually beneficial partnership," she concluded. The ACTA international conference brings together about 150 travel agents and travel advisors from Canada to the Azores, representing an effort by Visit Azores and the National Authority as part of the Region's external promotion process. It also falls within the strategy of mitigating tourist seasonality by harnessing the installed capacity and potential of the "Meetings & Incentives" segment in the Azores.
Nota de Imprensa
November 16, 2024
Regional Government opens redevelopment works at Ferraria Viewpoint
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, and the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, opened on Friday in Ginetes, municipality of Ponta Delgada, the redevelopment project for the Ferraria Viewpoint, better known as the Sabrina Island Viewpoint. Alonso Miguel stated that "the intervention was primarily aimed at preserving and enhancing this extraordinary protected area. It is part of a series of interventions already carried out, underway or in preparation on all islands of the archipelago, with a view to safeguarding the protection of the Azores' unique natural heritage in compliance with the provisions of the Regional Government Programme." The government official responsible for the environment stressed that the Pico das Camarinhas - Ponta da Ferraria Natural Monument, included in the São Miguel Island Natural Park, "features a diversity of structures and geological singularities that make it a special place, classified as a Geosite, within the scope of the Azores Geopark." In this regard, he also stressed that "it is an increasingly sought-after destination for visitors, under enormous tourist pressure, which needs to be redeveloped, organised and protected." Alonso Miguel explained that ‘the aim was to embellish and dignify this entire space, protecting and enhancing the significant set of natural, cultural and historical values present at this location. This was achieved by creating new access conditions and the necessary infrastructures to support visitors while regulating vehicle access to Ponta da Ferraria and ensuring its load capacity was respected." According to the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, "the redevelopment of the viewpoint, which was in a poor state of repair and did not lend the slightest dignity to this unique location, has allowed it to be organised into three levels, linked by a footpath duly integrated into the landscape." Alonso Miguel noted that the "highest level, next to the access areas, is reserved for a viewpoint area, serving as a transition zone between the carriageway and the more sheltered environment that is intended inside the space." He added that ‘the middle level includes a pleasant picnic area and the last level is a smaller viewpoint area. "A new car park was also built with capacity for two buses and 68 light vehicles, including three places for people with reduced mobility. The project also included the construction of a building with toilets, a control area and technical areas to support the maintenance of the viewpoint," he added. Berta Cabral also emphasised the quality of the work carried out at Sabrina Island viewpoint. According to her, it "will improve its usability and organise visitation, protecting and further enhancing this place which, due to its natural heritage, has become one of the most sought-after and visited sites on the island of São Miguel." For the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, ‘this investment serves several purposes. Firstly to preserve and improve the natural heritage of this area, which is part of Pico das Camarinhas. It also creates a new and upgraded tourist attraction for residents and non-residents on the south coast of São Miguel Island, with this magnificent view of one of the most emblematic lighthouses in the Azores, the Ferraria Lighthouse. For Berta Cabral, ‘the redevelopment of this viewpoint created another quality tourist site in the Azores, providing better conditions for enjoying this fantastic place and, simultaneously, making an important contribution to dispersing tourist flows on the island. Creating new and diversified leisure and visitation spaces is fundamental to avoid overloading the more traditional ones, such as Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas." Ferraria is also a popular spot. In this regard, "this intervention, with the construction of the car park, will regulate access to the bathing area, ensuring the implementation of an appropriate sustainability policy," stated Berta Cabral. The project was designed by the Regional Directorate for Public Works, involving an investment of about one million Euros. It represents another important contribution and step in promoting the natural, cultural and historical heritage.
November 16, 2024
Regional Government opens redevelopment works at Ferraria Viewpoint
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, and the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, opened on Friday in Ginetes, municipality of Ponta Delgada, the redevelopment project for the Ferraria Viewpoint, better known as the Sabrina Island Viewpoint. Alonso Miguel stated that "the intervention was primarily aimed at preserving and enhancing this extraordinary protected area. It is part of a series of interventions already carried out, underway or in preparation on all islands of the archipelago, with a view to safeguarding the protection of the Azores' unique natural heritage in compliance with the provisions of the Regional Government Programme." The government official responsible for the environment stressed that the Pico das Camarinhas - Ponta da Ferraria Natural Monument, included in the São Miguel Island Natural Park, "features a diversity of structures and geological singularities that make it a special place, classified as a Geosite, within the scope of the Azores Geopark." In this regard, he also stressed that "it is an increasingly sought-after destination for visitors, under enormous tourist pressure, which needs to be redeveloped, organised and protected." Alonso Miguel explained that ‘the aim was to embellish and dignify this entire space, protecting and enhancing the significant set of natural, cultural and historical values present at this location. This was achieved by creating new access conditions and the necessary infrastructures to support visitors while regulating vehicle access to Ponta da Ferraria and ensuring its load capacity was respected." According to the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, "the redevelopment of the viewpoint, which was in a poor state of repair and did not lend the slightest dignity to this unique location, has allowed it to be organised into three levels, linked by a footpath duly integrated into the landscape." Alonso Miguel noted that the "highest level, next to the access areas, is reserved for a viewpoint area, serving as a transition zone between the carriageway and the more sheltered environment that is intended inside the space." He added that ‘the middle level includes a pleasant picnic area and the last level is a smaller viewpoint area. "A new car park was also built with capacity for two buses and 68 light vehicles, including three places for people with reduced mobility. The project also included the construction of a building with toilets, a control area and technical areas to support the maintenance of the viewpoint," he added. Berta Cabral also emphasised the quality of the work carried out at Sabrina Island viewpoint. According to her, it "will improve its usability and organise visitation, protecting and further enhancing this place which, due to its natural heritage, has become one of the most sought-after and visited sites on the island of São Miguel." For the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, ‘this investment serves several purposes. Firstly to preserve and improve the natural heritage of this area, which is part of Pico das Camarinhas. It also creates a new and upgraded tourist attraction for residents and non-residents on the south coast of São Miguel Island, with this magnificent view of one of the most emblematic lighthouses in the Azores, the Ferraria Lighthouse. For Berta Cabral, ‘the redevelopment of this viewpoint created another quality tourist site in the Azores, providing better conditions for enjoying this fantastic place and, simultaneously, making an important contribution to dispersing tourist flows on the island. Creating new and diversified leisure and visitation spaces is fundamental to avoid overloading the more traditional ones, such as Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas." Ferraria is also a popular spot. In this regard, "this intervention, with the construction of the car park, will regulate access to the bathing area, ensuring the implementation of an appropriate sustainability policy," stated Berta Cabral. The project was designed by the Regional Directorate for Public Works, involving an investment of about one million Euros. It represents another important contribution and step in promoting the natural, cultural and historical heritage.