“We are scaling up our identity,” says José Manuel Bolieiro upon signing protocol with AHRESP - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the signing of a cooperation protocol with AHRESP Serviços for the creation of the National Platform for Seafood Cuisine at BTL - Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market. This initiative will place the sea at the heart of the strategy for promoting gastronomy and tourism, with a direct impact on the Region.

The agreement was signed by the President of the Regional Government and Carlos Moura, President of the Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Similar Services of Portugal (AHRESP), who was accompanied by Vice-President Vítor Sobral.

The head of the Azorean Government stressed that this protocol represents "a clear commitment to promoting the sea as an economic, cultural and identity asset" of the Azores.

"The sea is our most distinctive feature. Transforming it into added value, with sustainability and innovation, means guaranteeing a future for our communities," he said.

José Manuel Bolieiro also pointed out that the creation of the National Platform for Seafood Cuisine is aligned with the Regional Government's vision of balanced development for the Region.

"The Azores must be a good destination for everyone, for those who visit us and, above all, for those who live and work here. This protocol brings together fishers, producers, chefs and entrepreneurs in a fairer and more qualified value chain," he said.

The platform aims to enhance, qualify and promote seafood products, preserving gastronomic traditions and encouraging sustainable practices. Among the planned initiatives are the organisation of a presentation conference, the creation of a route of restaurants dedicated to local seafood products, gastronomic experiences such as workshops and themed dinners, and the replication of the "Live Cooking Restaurant" concept in the Azores.

The President of the Government also highlighted the environmental dimension of the project: "Promoting the consumption of alternative species and raising awareness of sustainable practices means protecting our marine ecosystem and ensuring that forthcoming generations can continue to live off it."

As the coordinating entity, AHRESP Serviços will be responsible for implementing the platform. The Regional Government, as a founding member, will support the project through educational campaigns on sustainable consumption, the provision of a dedicated manager and the allocation of a dedicated space in the Region to run the initiative.

The protocol now signed will be in force for two years, providing for monitoring and periodic review mechanisms.

With this partnership, the Azores strengthen their position as a destination where authenticity, sustainability, and quality go hand in hand, establishing the sea as a key element of a shared development strategy.