Press release - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas

In response to recent statements by the Regional Association of Tourism Companies of the Azores (AREAT) claiming that about half of all tourism activity on certain islands in the archipelago is illegal, the Government of the Azores would like to clarify the following:

1. The results of the work carried out by the inspection entities contradict the allegations that 50% of the sector operates outside the law, demonstrating, on the contrary, that the market is monitored regularly. In fact, annual inspections are conducted to detect illegal activities and ensure that licensed operators comply with their legal obligations.

2. While in 2019 there were around 270 licensed tourist entertainment companies, the Region currently has around 410 companies in the sector. Among these, 38 companies are in the process of renewing their compulsory insurance policies.

3. As part of the 2025 Activity Plan, the Regional Tourism Inspectorate carried out 71 inspections of licensed tourist entertainment companies. Full compliance with current tourism legislation was found in 48% of cases. In the remaining 37 inspections, the irregularities detected were primarily of an administrative nature.

4. Regarding the efforts to tackle illegal activity, 77 inspections were conducted to detect unregistered tourism companies or professionals. None of these inspections has identified companies or professionals operating illegally.

5. As for maritime tourism, the Regional Inspectorate of Fisheries received seven complaints, which were assessed and subject to further investigation in cooperation with other supervisory bodies. It was found that 30% of the complaints were unfounded, and in the remaining cases, it was not possible to verify the facts reported, particularly with regard to  Big Game Fishing. 

6. In 2025, direct inspection activity focused on maritime tourism activities intensified, with 21 inspections conducted, without any administrative offences being detected.

7. The number of maritime tourism companies in 2019 stood at 174. This figure rose to 239 in 2025, indicating that an increasing number of companies are registering and operating in compliance with the applicable legislation.

8. It should be noted that, as part of the revision of the RAMTA (Regulation of Maritime Tourism Activities in the Azores), big game fishing activities will be clarified to prevent the improper practice of this activity.

9. Regarding the 132 tourist information professionals registered in the Region, a Special Inspection Action Plan was implemented in 2025. Among the 45 actions carried out in places of high tourist interest and protected areas, 44 have not resulted in any infringement. Only in one case was a vehicle belonging to a registered entertainer identified at the edge of a nature reserve, and the operator was informed of the legal restrictions in force at the site.

10. All complaints received by the inspection services are rigorously assessed and dealt with. However, it should be noted that some of the complaints submitted reflect a lack of knowledge of the legal rules governing certain occupations or activities, resulting in cases being closed due to a lack of evidence or inability to prove illegal activities.

11. Concerning certain points of tourist interest, namely access to Fajã da Ferraria and the closure of the Salto do Cabrito trail (PRC29SMI), it should be clarified that these restrictions arise from technical assessments based on public safety reasons, associated with slope instability and complex geological and natural hazards, given the morphological and environmental specificities of the sites in question. The protection of the physical integrity of visitors, tour operators and the general population is a priority. The legitimate use of natural resources for tourism purposes cannot override the existence of real risks duly identified by competent technical entities.

12. In the specific case of PRC29 SMI – Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande – Salto do Cabrito, the route is currently being redefined to ensure adequate safety conditions for users. The goal is to maintain tourism in a responsible and sustainable manner that is compatible with the existing natural and landscape values.

The Regional Government of the Azores reiterates its commitment to the quality of the Azores as a tourist destination, maintaining continuous monitoring efforts to ensure fair competition and the safety of all visitors, with a view to the continuous improvement of the sector.