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Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Applications for financial incentives to promote tourism in the Azores reopen
Applications for financial incentives to promote tourism in the Azores reopen
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Press release
Press release
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Works on Corvo aerodrome represent investment over €6 million
Works on Corvo aerodrome represent investment over €6 million
April 30, 2026
Applications for financial incentives to promote tourism in the Azores reopen
April 28, 2026
Press release
April 27, 2026
Works on Corvo aerodrome represent investment over €6 million
News
Nota de Imprensa
April 30, 2026
Applications for financial incentives to promote tourism in the Azores reopen
The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures announced that applications are once again open for financial incentive schemes providing public support for initiatives of recognised interest to promoting the Azores as a tourist destination, under Regional Legislative Decree no. 18/2005/A of July 20. This support measure aims to encourage innovative and strategic projects to enhance the value and profile of the destination, with funding subject to the budget allocation available each year. It should be noted that applications had been temporarily suspended as part of the preparation and implementation of the Region’s 2026 Plan and Budget. It is aligned with the need to prioritise projects funded by European funds, namely under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) and the Azores 2030 Operational Programme (OP 2030). Both instruments are of significant strategic importance and involve particularly demanding implementation deadlines. As budget implementation progresses, the Regional Directorate for Tourism is resuming the conditions for receiving applications under this incentive scheme. Further information on the application process is available at https://turismo.azores.gov.pt/regime-de-financiamento-publico-de-iniciativas-com-interesse-para-a-promocao-do-destino-turistico-acores/. With the launch of this opportunity for new initiatives, the Government of the Azores reiterates its commitment to fostering investment, creativity and innovation in the tourism sector, as an essential pillar for the sustainable economic development of the Azores.
April 30, 2026
Applications for financial incentives to promote tourism in the Azores reopen
The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures announced that applications are once again open for financial incentive schemes providing public support for initiatives of recognised interest to promoting the Azores as a tourist destination, under Regional Legislative Decree no. 18/2005/A of July 20. This support measure aims to encourage innovative and strategic projects to enhance the value and profile of the destination, with funding subject to the budget allocation available each year. It should be noted that applications had been temporarily suspended as part of the preparation and implementation of the Region’s 2026 Plan and Budget. It is aligned with the need to prioritise projects funded by European funds, namely under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) and the Azores 2030 Operational Programme (OP 2030). Both instruments are of significant strategic importance and involve particularly demanding implementation deadlines. As budget implementation progresses, the Regional Directorate for Tourism is resuming the conditions for receiving applications under this incentive scheme. Further information on the application process is available at https://turismo.azores.gov.pt/regime-de-financiamento-publico-de-iniciativas-com-interesse-para-a-promocao-do-destino-turistico-acores/. With the launch of this opportunity for new initiatives, the Government of the Azores reiterates its commitment to fostering investment, creativity and innovation in the tourism sector, as an essential pillar for the sustainable economic development of the Azores.
Nota de Imprensa
April 28, 2026
Press release
The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, following reports in the media regarding the Ferraria Thermal Spa in São Miguel, wishes to clarify the following: 1. The concession for the operation of the Ferraria Thermal Spa building to make the indoor swimming pool, sauna and massage facilities available to the public, as well as restaurant and bar services, was formally awarded to the company Palco Natural, Lda. on May 20, 2020. 2. Over the last few years, as part of the monitoring carried out by the Regional Directorate for Tourism and the Regional Tourism Inspectorate, several instances of breach of contract were detected, duly reported and acknowledged by the concessionaire. 3. The aforementioned breaches include a failure to invest in the refurbishment of the building; a failure to classify the natural resource (water); a failure to provide the facility with a Medical Team and Clinical Management, in accordance with the Specifications; and the existence of a debt to the Region regarding operating costs and the contractually agreed financial compensation. In view of these breaches and following a final meeting held in the fourth quarter of 2025, the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, through the Regional Directorate for Tourism, initiated proceedings to declare the contract null and void and proceed with its termination. 4. In consideration of the facts described above and the express wishes of the concessionaire, the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures acknowledges the position of the company Palco Natural, Lda., which has been publicly stated but not yet officially communicated to this Regional Government department. In this regard, an amicable resolution is anticipated, as expressed by the concessionaire. Should it prove necessary, the case is already prepared to proceed with its legal course. 5. As soon as it is administratively feasible and all the necessary procedures have been completed, the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures will launch a new tender process for the concession of the Ferraria Thermal Spa building, with a view to ensuring the proper development of a unique resource of high strategic value for wellness tourism in the Azores. The Government of the Azores reiterates its unwavering commitment to promoting the quality of tourism and all areas of the sector, as a fundamental goal for the sustainable development, attractiveness and competitiveness of the destination, without ever compromising on certain fundamental standards and requirements.
April 28, 2026
Press release
The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, following reports in the media regarding the Ferraria Thermal Spa in São Miguel, wishes to clarify the following: 1. The concession for the operation of the Ferraria Thermal Spa building to make the indoor swimming pool, sauna and massage facilities available to the public, as well as restaurant and bar services, was formally awarded to the company Palco Natural, Lda. on May 20, 2020. 2. Over the last few years, as part of the monitoring carried out by the Regional Directorate for Tourism and the Regional Tourism Inspectorate, several instances of breach of contract were detected, duly reported and acknowledged by the concessionaire. 3. The aforementioned breaches include a failure to invest in the refurbishment of the building; a failure to classify the natural resource (water); a failure to provide the facility with a Medical Team and Clinical Management, in accordance with the Specifications; and the existence of a debt to the Region regarding operating costs and the contractually agreed financial compensation. In view of these breaches and following a final meeting held in the fourth quarter of 2025, the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, through the Regional Directorate for Tourism, initiated proceedings to declare the contract null and void and proceed with its termination. 4. In consideration of the facts described above and the express wishes of the concessionaire, the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures acknowledges the position of the company Palco Natural, Lda., which has been publicly stated but not yet officially communicated to this Regional Government department. In this regard, an amicable resolution is anticipated, as expressed by the concessionaire. Should it prove necessary, the case is already prepared to proceed with its legal course. 5. As soon as it is administratively feasible and all the necessary procedures have been completed, the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures will launch a new tender process for the concession of the Ferraria Thermal Spa building, with a view to ensuring the proper development of a unique resource of high strategic value for wellness tourism in the Azores. The Government of the Azores reiterates its unwavering commitment to promoting the quality of tourism and all areas of the sector, as a fundamental goal for the sustainable development, attractiveness and competitiveness of the destination, without ever compromising on certain fundamental standards and requirements.