The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures stated on Tuesday at the Conceição Palace in Ponta Delgada that the Azorean Government and the National Government are working together in a coordinated and ongoing manner to strengthen the Region’s air mobility and connectivity, which are essential for the sustainable development of tourism and the Azorean economy.
This strategic partnership involves Visit Azores, Turismo de Portugal (national tourism authority), airlines, ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal (national airport authority) and Lajes Civil Airport. It covers key areas such as destination promotion and improved air connectivity, with initiatives planned for the short, medium and long-term.
“This project has been underway for some time and will continue, with a view to the sustained and progressive development of the Azores as a destination, while acknowledging that its structural effects take time to take root,” emphasised Berta Cabral during a working meeting dedicated to the tourism sector.
The meeting brought together the Secretary of State for Tourism, Trade and Services, Pedro Machado, the President of Turismo de Portugal, Carlos Abade, and the regional main tourism business associations, demonstrating an unprecedented institutional and operational alignment with the sector’s current challenges.
It was also confirmed that the Azorean Government and the National Government will continue their efforts to reach out to airlines, with a view to securing more flights, greater connectivity and improved travel conditions to and from the Azores.
As part of this cooperation, a specific promotional plan for next winter is already being developed, with strong involvement from Turismo de Portugal, and its implementation will be led by Visit Azores, strengthening the Azores’ presence in the domestic market.
The government official acknowledged that regional tourism is going through a particularly challenging period. In this regard, she explained that this is due to a combination of factors, including a downturn in the domestic market and an unfavourable international climate, with global impacts on the tourism sector, influenced by the Middle East conflict, the subsequent instability linked to the fuel crisis, and international geopolitics.
In addition to this context, as she pointed out, “the withdrawal of Ryanair and the consequent reduction in the number of seats available for the Region have had an immediate effect on demand.”
Despite the current difficulties, Berta Cabral was clear about the Regional Government’s strategic direction: “We cannot, nor should we, alter structural policies in response to temporary difficulties. There is scope for tactical, operational and promotional adjustments, but the course remains the same. We are firmly committed to enhancing the value and diversifying product quality, as well as positioning the Azores as a sustainable destination of excellence.”
The Regional Secretary also emphasised that the recent election of Nuno Leandro as President of Visit Azores represents “the visible face of a process to revitalise the association,” marked by a new approach to tourism promotion, as well as by a closer, more collaborative and effective partnership with associations' members and entrepreneurs in the sector.
“This closer alignment with the private sector is clearly a strategic move for the future, ensuring greater flexibility, more informed decisions and the implementation of more effective measures that have a real impact across the entire tourism value chain,” she emphasised.
In this regard, she called for collective responsibility: “We all must have the same goal, with a constructive spirit and tangible solutions. Promoting the destination must always be a central part of our public strategy. Any message is shared on a global scale and can influence tourists, investors, operators and even the decisions of airlines.”
All business associations present at the meeting had the opportunity to present their main concerns, questions and suggestions, thereby contributing not only to an assessment of the current operational situation but, above all, to the development of a vision for the future.
At the end of the meeting, it became clear that regional and national policymakers, as well as economic stakeholders, are on the same page and working in a coordinated manner to overcome the current downturn in tourism, a sector that remains one of the main drivers of the Azorean economy.
Amidst the launch of a new round of contracts with Turismo de Portugal and increased funding for the external promotion of the Azores, a commitment was also made to attract new events and tour operators.
The priority given to the Azores as part of the campaign to boost domestic tourism, scheduled to be launched before the summer, was also confirmed, as was the full alignment of the Secretary of State for Tourism, Trade and Services and Turismo de Portugal with the Region’s needs, through close collaboration across all areas.
This collaboration involves the development and structuring of tourism products, ensuring high standards of quality and excellence, as well as raising awareness of financial support schemes and improving information provision and capacity-building within the sector.
