Ponta Delgada, Portugal, April 29, 2025 (Lusa) - The Azorean Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures said on Tuesday that the Azores, Madeira and Cabo Verde "share countless points of contact", such as insularity, traditions and rich landscapes, which together with the "authenticity of the communities" give them "unrivalled" potential.
The head of Tourism in the Azores took part in the III Atlantic Tourism Days on the island of Porto Santo on behalf of the regional president of the Azores. It emphasised that the archipelagos of Madeira, the Azores and Cabo Verde "are examples of how the Atlantic can shape not only landscapes, but also the identity and character of its people".
Berta Cabral, quoted in a press release, said that the "Azores, Madeira and Cabo Verde share countless points of contact", starting with their insularity, volcanic origin, rich and diverse landscapes, cultural traditions, "and a history marked by identical challenges, overcome by the resilience and soul of the people".
"These elements, combined with the authenticity of our communities and how we have been able to preserve our resources, give Macaronesia a unique character and unrivalled tourism potential," she said.
For her, "the development of tourism on remote and small islands entails added difficulties: greater dependence on external accessibility, vulnerability to climate change, fragility of local economies, and infrastructural limitations", but these specificities make these territories "unique and desired by those looking for authentic, engaging and sustainable experiences."
She expressed "pride and enthusiasm at seeing the Azores associated, through the municipality of Velas, with this movement to valorise tourism in Macaronesia, which is also sponsored by the municipalities of Porto Santo and Sal.
The Regional Secretary for Tourism said that this "vision of sustainability has guided tourism in the Azores in recent years", pointing out that in 2024 the Azorean archipelago achieved the Gold Level in EarthCheck's "Sustainable Destination" certification, the first archipelago in the world with this distinction.
The Azores were also awarded "Best Adventure Tourism Destination in the World" for the second year running and "Best Adventure Destination in Europe" for the fourth time in five years.
Berta Cabral recalled that in 2024, the Azores exceeded 4.2 million overnight stays (+12.4% compared to 2023) and surpassed €200 million in revenue from hotels and tourist accommodation, with a growth of around 19%.
He added that tourism represents around 20% of the region's Gross Value Added, 17% of GDP, and 17% of employment.
However, he warned, "What's more important than growing a lot is growing well." He said that the government of the Azores (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM) has taken on the strategic goal of "tourism all year round and on all the islands," a path that "requires the qualification" of the offer and the professionals.
According to the Azorean government, there are more than 590 licensed tourist entertainment companies in the Azores, double the number registered in 2015.
APE/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
