The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired the opening session of the Azores Tourism Summit 2024 on Wednesday, an event running until Saturday at the Pavilhão do Mar in Ponta Delgada.
This meeting brings together about 250 professionals from the sector, including journalists, experts, and institutional representatives, both nationally and internationally, to discuss the best practices in sustainability and innovation in tourism, promoting sustainable development in the Azorean archipelago.
The head of the Azorean Government noted the importance of this event for the sustainable growth of the Azores. He also announced an important milestone for the Region: the certification of the Azores as a “Sustainable Destination” with the 1st Gold Level by EarthCheck, one of the world’s most prestigious certifying organizations for sustainable tourism practices.
This certification aims to assure travelers that the Azores are a destination committed to sustainable practices and an ecological and quality tourism experience, aligned with the United Nations’ strategic goals for sustainable development.
José Manuel Bolieiro took the opportunity to present data on tourism growth in the Azores. Between September 2019 and 2024, there was a 37% increase in the number of passengers disembarking and a 23% increase in flight operations, with the number of airlines operating in the archipelago growing from five to 14.
In addition, the average revenue per room available rose significantly, and the number of overnight stays increased by 8% over the same period.
Bolieiro stressed the need for the Azores to be an example and to lead by example, promoting “decarbonization and sustainability practices in all activities,” with a focus on the tourism sector, in a mission of environmental responsibility and commitment to the planet.
The initiative is part of the Strategic and Marketing Plan for Tourism in the Azores 2030 (PEMTA2030). It prioritizes the distribution of tourist flows between the islands and the mitigation of seasonality, encouraging Azoreans to explore the beauty of their Region with special fares and exclusive experiences.
Source: Press Release @ portal.azores.gov
