Media and news Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Nota de Imprensa
April 17, 2026
Berta Cabral destaca Alemanha como mercado-chave para o crescimento sustentável do turismo dos Açores
A Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas, Berta Cabral, afirmou hoje, em Ponta Delgada, que “a Alemanha é um mercado absolutamente central para o turismo dos Açores”, sublinhando o crescimento de 12% registado em 2025 nas dormidas de turistas alemães — o mais elevado entre os dez principais mercados emissores da Região. A intervenção teve lugar no Teatro Micaelense, na sessão de abertura da DRV Annual Conference 2026, encontro anual da Associação Alemã de Agências de Viagens, cuja realização nos Açores foi considerada pela governante “um sinal claro do prestígio internacional do destino e da confiança que o setor turístico alemão deposita na Região”. “A escolha dos Açores para acolher este congresso é um reconhecimento inequívoco da qualidade, autenticidade e singularidade do nosso destino, bem como da relação próxima e estratégica que mantemos com o mercado alemão”, afirmou. Berta Cabral destacou ainda que, em 2025, a Alemanha assumiu a liderança como principal mercado emissor estrangeiro para os Açores, ultrapassando novamente os Estados Unidos da América. “Este resultado comprova a solidez da nossa ligação ao mercado alemão e reflete um caminho consistente de promoção, confiança e excelência”, salientou. “A Alemanha compreende os Açores, mesmo sem falar a nossa língua. E os Açores são, em muitos aspetos, um destino perfeitamente alinhado com aquilo que o turista alemão valoriza”, afirmou ainda a governante. Segundo Berta Cabral, a forte aposta no turismo de natureza (trilhos únicos, paisagens de grande impacto, biodiversidade excecional, oceano, sustentabilidade e autenticidade), corresponde plenamente às motivações do visitante alemão. E justificou: “Falamos de um público que valoriza qualidade, responsabilidade ambiental, férias ativas e experiências culturais genuínas. E isso faz parte do ADN dos Açores”. A Secretária Regional sublinhou também o percurso notável do turismo açoriano nos últimos anos, vincando: “Apesar dos desafios internacionais, os Açores foram a primeira região do país a recuperar totalmente do impacto da pandemia, superando os resultados de 2019 e conquistando distinções internacionais de grande prestígio, como a de Melhor Destino de Aventura do Mundo e da Europa, atribuída pelos World Travel Awards”. Em 2025, pela primeira vez na história, os Açores ultrapassaram as 4,5 milhões de dormidas, com a hotelaria regional a superar os 206 milhões de euros em proveitos. “O turismo é hoje o principal motor da economia regional, com impacto direto e transversal, representando cerca de 17% do PIB, 17% do emprego e 20% do Valor Acrescentado Bruto”, destacou. Ainda assim, Berta Cabral foi perentória: “Mais do que crescer, queremos crescer bem. O nosso compromisso é com um turismo responsável, equilibrado e sustentável”. Os Açores já alcançaram o Nível II – Ouro da certificação internacional de Destino Sustentável, atribuída pela EarthCheck, um reconhecimento que reflete, segundo a governante, “uma visão de desenvolvimento que respeita o território, as comunidades e o modo de vida, protegendo aquilo que torna os Açores únicos: a Natureza Humana”. A governante valorizou igualmente a parceria com o mercado alemão no reforço da conectividade aérea: “As ligações diretas operadas pela Lufthansa, Eurowings e Azores Airlines, que ligam Ponta Delgada a Frankfurt e Nuremberga, são fundamentais para o crescimento do destino e um claro sinal de confiança no potencial e na qualidade turística dos Açores”, detalhou. Do turismo de aventura ao bem estar, da gastronomia à cultura, da observação de baleias às paisagens vulcânicas e às termas naturais, a diversidade de experiências disponíveis ao longo de todo o ano torna os Açores um destino atrativo muito para além da época alta. Neste contexto, Berta Cabral destacou o papel essencial dos agentes de viagem e operadores turísticos alemães, sublinhando: “Os associados da DRV são parceiros fundamentais na forma como os Açores chegam ao viajante alemão. São eles que ligam o nosso destino às expectativas dos seus clientes”. “O vosso profissionalismo, conhecimento do mercado e credibilidade são decisivos para garantir que o visitante certo escolhe o destino certo, no momento certo. E os Açores estão prontos para continuar a surpreender”, concluiu, dirigindo-se às centenas de presentes.

Nota de Imprensa
April 17, 2026
Vice-Presidência promove comemorações do Dia da Europa na ilha das Flores
A Vice-Presidência do Governo dos Açores, através da Direção Regional dos Assuntos Europeus e Cooperação Externa, promove as comemorações regionais do Dia da Europa, no próximo dia 9 de maio, na ilha das Flores, território que representa o ponto mais ocidental da Europa, reforçando a dimensão geopolítica e identitária das Regiões Ultraperiféricas no projeto europeu. As celebrações - que assinalam, simultaneamente, o Dia da Europa e os 40 anos de integração europeia - decorrem nos municípios das Lajes das Flores e de Santa Cruz das Flores, são abertas a toda a população e envolvem a comunidade escolar, seniores e diversas entidades locais e regionais. O programa arranca pelas 9h30, na Câmara Municipal das Lajes das Flores, com o hastear das bandeiras e execução dos Hinos de Portugal, dos Açores e da Europa, pela Filarmónica União Operária e Cultural Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, seguindo-se a Sessão Oficial de Abertura, que contará com intervenções do Presidente da Câmara Municipal das Lajes das Flores, Beto Vasconcelos, do Delegado do Governo da Catalunha em Portugal, Rui Reis, e do Vice-Presidente do Governo Regional dos Açores, Artur Lima. Segue-se uma homenagem a Pedro da Silveira, “o Poeta mais Ocidental da Europa”, com uma intervenção da florentina Gabriela Silva, após a qual terá lugar um recital de poemas do mesmo pelo Grupo de Teatro "A Jangada". As cerimónias prosseguem com a inauguração da exposição “Europa em Postais”, com trabalhos elaborados por alunos do 2.º ciclo da Escola Básica e Secundária das Flores e da Escola EB 1,2/JI das Lajes das Flores, além da entrega de prémios e da cerimónia oficial de lançamento do selo, postal, envelope e carimbo oficial dos CTT, a comemorar o evento com a imagem vencedora do concurso de postais. Já no ponto mais ocidental da Europa - na Fajã Grande, prossegue o programa com a inauguração, pelas 12h30, de um mural de azulejos alusivo aos 40 anos da integração europeia, obra desenvolvida por alunos do Clube de Cerâmica da EBS Flores, acompanhada de breves intervenções institucionais e de uma reflexão sobre a simbologia geopolítica da Ilha das Flores no contexto europeu, a cargo do florentino António Maria Gonçalves. Do programa consta ainda uma visita ao Ilhéu do Monchique, caso as condições climatéricas o permitam, marcando simbolicamente a data junto àquele que é o ponto mais ocidental da Europa, situado na costa oeste da ilha das Flores. O programa retoma pelas 17 horas, já na Câmara Municipal de Santa Cruz das Flores, com a inauguração da exposição “Bandeiras dos Estados-Membros da União Europeia”, com trabalhos elaborados por utentes seniores das Santas Casas da Misericórdia de Santa Cruz e das Lajes das Flores. Seguem-se os discursos oficiais, com intervenções a cargo da Presidente da Câmara Municipal de Santa Cruz das Flores, Elisabete Nóia, e do Vice-Presidente do Governo Regional dos Açores, Artur Lima, após as quais o conferencista convidado, Adolfo Mesquita Nunes, falará sobre a "Europa em modo inteligente: vantagens para as ultraperiferias”, conferência esta que antecede o encerramento oficial das comemorações do Dia da Europa, após um espaço de debate. Esta iniciativa, que integra cerimónias e discursos oficiais, momentos culturais, exposições e iniciativas lúdico-didáticas, resulta de uma parceria da Vice-Presidência do Governo dos Açores com a Câmara Municipal de Santa Cruz das Flores e Câmara Municipal das Lajes das Flores, contando com o apoio da Escola Básica e Secundária das Flores, Santa Casa da Misericórdia das Lajes das Flores, Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Santa Cruz das Flores, Grupo de Teatro "A Jangada", CTT e Núcleo Filatélico de Angra do Heroísmo. A comemoração do Dia da Europa na ilha das Flores assume especial relevância ao coincidir com os 40 anos da adesão de Portugal e Espanha à então Comunidade Económica Europeia ocorrida a 1 de janeiro de 1986, marco determinante para o desenvolvimento económico, social e territorial do país e da Região.

Nota de Imprensa
April 17, 2026
Portugal’s first fifth-generation surgical robot awarded to Autonomous Region of the Azores
The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, has approved the awarding of the tender for the procurement, installation and maintenance of a robotic surgery system for the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital, E.P.E.R. (HDES), a strategic investment that further modernises the Regional Health Service. The decision follows the Government Council Resolution no. 164-A/2025 of December 23, which authorised the expenditure and the launch of the corresponding international public tender, under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). Under the decision now taken, a contract has been awarded for the purchase, installation and maintenance of a robotic surgery system, for €2,415,000.00, and for the purchase, installation and maintenance of an operating table compatible with the robotic system, for €114,500.00; both amounts are subject to VAT at the legal rate in force. The system to be installed at HDES is the IS5000 – Intuitive da Vinci 5 model, the most advanced fifth-generation robotic surgery system, and the first of its kind to be procured in Portugal. This equipment incorporates more than 150 technological innovations, including high-definition three-dimensional visualisation, greater surgical precision and force feedback technology, enabling healthcare professionals to perform safer and more effective procedures. This technological breakthrough will bring direct benefits for patients, notably through the performance of minimally invasive surgeries, resulting in less trauma, fewer complications and shorter recovery times. For Mónica Seidi, “this investment represents a decisive step forward in the development of the Regional Health Service, placing the Azores at the forefront of technological innovation in healthcare at a national level, with clear benefits for the quality of care provided and patient safety.” The government official also emphasised that this initiative “strengthens the capacity of HEDES to respond across a range of surgical specialities, leading to better clinical outcomes and greater efficiency within the regional healthcare system.”

Nota de Imprensa
April 16, 2026
Regional Government hosts conference on Azorean identity this Saturday in Ponta Delgada
The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, is organising a round-table discussion on the theme “The Construction of Azorean Identity(ies): historical roots and the present day” this Saturday, April 18, at 5.30 p.m. The event will take place at the Low Choir of the Conceição Palace in Ponta Delgada and will be attended by the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão. The initiative is being carried out within the institutional remit of promoting democratisation and celebrating the island’s identity. It aims to encourage in-depth reflection on the historical, anthropological and social roots that define the Azorean people and their gradual development of self-awareness over the centuries. With a view to organising this event, the Regional Secretariat has entered into a partnership with the Carlos Machado Museum, through its Autonomy Centre, and with CHAM – Centre for the Humanities at the University of the Azores. The curatorship of the round table was entrusted to Professor Isabel Soares de Albergaria, who will be part of the panel of speakers alongside prominent figures from academia and the field of historical and social research: Susana Serpa Silva, Carlos Guilherme Riley, Carlos Enes (a leading figure in contemporary history in the Azores) and Professor João Leal (one of the leading figures in social anthropology in Portugal). The event is open to the entire community, combining a panel discussion with opportunities for direct interaction with the public. In addition to marking the anniversary of the Azores’ autonomy, this joint reflection on the islands’ intangible heritage is a catalyst for the launch of the project to celebrate the 600th anniversary of the discovery of the Azores, which will be marked in 2027. Implementation and planning efforts will begin over the coming months, always guided by the fundamental principle of sharing Azorean knowledge, heritage and cultural identity with the world.

Nota de Imprensa
April 16, 2026
Berta Cabral highlights tourism growth in 2025 and reiterates Government’s proactive strategy to overcome challenges
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, gave assurances today at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores regarding the fact that the Regional Government is implementing the necessary measures to protect and revitalise the tourism sector in view of the current global situation. The government official also provided a detailed overview of the market, highlighting the “historic results achieved” and setting out solutions to overcome new international challenges. Berta Cabral noted that tourism has established itself as the main driving force of economic development in the Azores, promoting real convergence with the national average. 2025 consolidated this success with more than 4.5 million overnight stays, a 4.1% increase compared to the previous year, and a significant 9.6% rise in total hospitality revenue. The government official emphasised that the Region was not only the first in the country to recover post-pandemic, but has also managed to attract 16 airlines to operate in the archipelago in 2026, compared to the seven operating in 2019. This entire path towards destination accreditation culminated in the winning of numerous global awards and the achievement of Gold I sustainability certification in 2024 and Gold II in 2025. Despite this period of tremendous vitality, the Regional Secretary candidly acknowledged the current uncertainty facing the global market. Berta Cabral explained that rising interest rates “have impacted household income in the domestic market, whilst geopolitical instability and new internal immigration policies in the United States have severely affected” consumer confidence and growth in what was previously the main outbound market. The government official clarified that this slowdown in demand is not an isolated phenomenon in the Azores, but is also being felt in competing destinations such as Spain, Germany and various regions of Portugal, including Madeira, the Algarve and the Setúbal Peninsula. With a view to addressing this volatility, the Azorean Government is taking a proactive approach and working closely with the sector. The Regional Secretary announced the revitalisation of the Visit Azores Association, whose new board of directors will involve business leaders in shaping the promotional strategy – she also announced that the organisation will be led by Nuno Leandro. Operational plans focused on the summer and winter seasons are already in place, along with co-branding campaigns with operators and the international launch of the “Safe Destination” campaign, aimed at boosting awareness and confidence in the archipelago. Berta Cabral also guaranteed close cooperation with the National Government and Turismo de Portugal (national tourism authority) to ensure adequate air links and the promotion of the Region. In this regard, she pointed out that the current regional Government has increased the annual average funding for tourism promotion to €3.1 million. This figure far exceeds the average of €2.2 million under the previous socialist administration. As she emphasised, the increase in funding was achieved whilst simultaneously clearing a €9 million debt to the banks (from unpaid programme contracts dating back to 2012), whose repayment plan was only due to be completed in 2025. Before concluding her speech, Berta Cabral expressed her firm confidence in the resilience of the business community and the structural strategy set out in the Strategic and Marketing Plan for Tourism in the Azores 2030.  The Regional Secretary assured that the Government will lead this new phase with great determination. She concluded: “Just as we weathered the subprime crisis and the pandemic, we will rise to the challenge we face in 2026 and, together with the entire sector, we will overcome it.”

Comunicado
April 16, 2026
Communiqué from the Council of the Government
The Council of the Government, which met on April 14, 2026, in Horta, decided to adopt the following measures: 1. Approve the Regional Implementing Decree determining rules implementing the Budget of the Autonomous Region of the Azores for 2026. The Regional Government of the Autonomous Region of the Azores has approved the Regional Implementing Decree containing the provisions necessary for the implementation of the Budget of the Autonomous Region of the Azores for 2026, approved by Regional Legislative Decree no. 27/2025/A of December 30. 2. Approve the Resolution authorising an application under the legal and financial support scheme for climate emergencies for the damage caused by extreme weather events that occurred in the parish of São Roque, municipality of Ponta Delgada, and in the parishes of Faial da Terra and Ribeira Quente, both in the municipality of Povoação, on December 16, 2024, amounting to €14,955.92. It also revokes the support previously approved by Government Council Resolution no. 93/2025 of July 3. 3. Approve the Resolution authorising the expenditure and the launch of an international public tender by the Regional Cohesion and Economic Development Support Fund, with a view to signing a contract for the chartering of a vessel for regular freight transport service to the island of Flores, with a base price of €5,940,000.00 and a duration of two years, which may be extended for a period of one year. 4. Approve the resolution authorising the signing of a programme contract between the Autonomous Region of the Azores and Geoaçores – Azores Geopark Association, amounting to €55,000.00, intended for the running of that association, the monitoring, development and promotion of Geosites, as well as the dissemination and training in the context of the geodiversity of the Azores. It is also intended to ensure commitments to the Global Geoparks Network and the European Geoparks Network. 5. Approve the Resolution authorising the permanent transfer, free of charge, of a property located at Canada do Joaquim Alves, parish of Praia da Vitória (Santa Cruz), municipality of Vila Praia da Vitória, to the municipal council of Praia da Vitória, for the purpose of developing social activities and supporting local associations in close coordination with the needs of the resident population. 6. Approve the Resolution authorising the transfer of use, for a limited period and free of charge, of part of the urban property located at Rua de São Joaquim, no. 1, parish of Matriz, municipality of Ponta Delgada, namely, the central warehouse, measuring approximately 250 m², located in the former garages, as well as the main building, comprising five rooms, to Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome – São Miguel, IPSS, with a view to signing the establishment of the headquarters and central warehouse for the Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome – São Miguel, IPSS. 7. Approve the resolution authorising the transfer of use of a property located at Avenida Visconde da Praia, no. 19, parish of Fajã de Baixo, municipality of Ponta Delgada, to Kairós – Cooperativa de Incubação de Iniciativas de Economia Solidária CRL, with a view to promoting the establishment of a Specialised Temporary Shelter. 8. Approve the Resolution recognising the significant public interest of “Seara Ecolodge Tourist Development,” located in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island. 9. Approve the Resolution authorising the urban development operations proposed by the company Sintonia d’ Universo, Ld.ª, with a view to the construction of a four-star tourist resort, located in the parish of Porto Formoso, municipality of Ribeira Grande, with an expected capacity of 82 new beds, without prejudice to the interested party’s compliance with the obligations set out in the current land management instruments and other applicable legislation. 10. Approve the Resolution authorising the urban development operations proposed by Maria de Fátima Tavares Costa Alberto Moniz, with a view to the construction of a five-star hotel, located in the parish of São Vicente Ferreira, municipality of Ponta Delgada, with an estimated capacity of 208 new beds, without prejudice to the interested party’s compliance with the obligations set out in the current land management instruments and other applicable legislation.

Nota de Imprensa
April 15, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro welcomes appointment of Susana Goulart Costa as National Government Representative in the Azores
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, congratulated today the President of the Republic, António José Seguro, on the appointment of the new Representative of the National Government for the Autonomous Region of the Azores, considering it “a decision of particular significance for the Azorean people." The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the appointment of Susana Goulart Costa, emphasising that “she is making history by being the first Azorean and the first woman to take up these duties.” José Manuel Bolieiro added that this choice fulfils a long-standing aspiration of the Region, noting that “the Azorean people have long been striving to have an Azorean in this position.” The President of the Regional Government also addressed a special message to the new Representative of the National Government, expressing “full personal and institutional availability for a close and constructive collaboration.” Concerning Susana Goulart Costa, the President of the Government stated that he holds her “in the highest regard for her competence,” expressing his belief that “she has the right profile to carry out these duties with distinction." On the same occasion, he recalled the work of the outgoing Representative of the National Government, Ambassador Pedro Catarino, highlighting a tenure in which he served “more as a representative of political autonomy in the country rather than as a representative of the National Government in an autonomous region." José Manuel Bolieiro stated that the Azores count on “the knowledge, composure and commitment” of the future Representative, wishing her “every success and the very best in carrying out these duties.” Born in 1969 in Angra do Heroísmo, Susana Goulart Costa is an associate professor with tenure at the University of the Azores and a researcher at the Centre for the Humanities at NOVA University Lisbon. She currently heads the Department of History, Philosophy and Arts at the University of the Azores.

Nota de Imprensa
April 15, 2026
Regional Government welcomes achievement of RRP target with delivery of electric vehicles to Private Social Solidarity Institutions
The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, announced today in Horta that the target RRP 3.14 – “Vehicles purchased for Private social Solidarity Institutions” – has been met, as part of the Recovery and Resilience Programme (RRP). This milestone was publicly highlighted today during the delivery of three electric vehicles to institutions on the island of Faial, two for the Santa Casa da Misericórdia da Horta and one for Cáritas da Horta.  As of now, 134 vehicles have been approved, with 127 already delivered, allowing us to reach 95% of the defined target – the minimum threshold required by the European Commission to consider the goal met. We can now be included in the 9th disembursement request by the European Commission.  “Achieving this target under the RRP demonstrates the effectiveness of public policy implementation in the social sector, as well as the Region’s ability to carry out structural investments that directly benefit the Azorean people,” stressed the government official. The investment made under this initiative amounts to €4,539,512.68 and falls within the scope of the “Generations on the Move” programme (GERMOV), launched in 2021. It aims to increase technical and financial support for Private Social Solidarity Institutions Misericórdias (charities) and similar organisations in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, with a particular focus on renewing and strengthening their vehicle fleets through the purchase of electric vehicles. The Regional Secretary also emphasised that this investment represents “a significant boost to the capacity of the Azorean social institutions to respond to people’s needs, helping to provide more personalised, efficient and humane support to the public, whilst modernising their operational resources.”