“We confirm, unequivocally, that 2024 was a true ‘Golden Year’ and that tourism is undergoing a truly sustainable growth process. Tourism is a major driver of the Azores economy and the main economic activity creating wealth, jobs, investment and opportunities for the future of our islands”, says the regional governor, quoted in a statement from the Regional Government of the Azores.

Berta Cabral welcomed the results recently confirmed by the Regional Statistics Service, which state that, in 2024, the Azores recorded, for the first time in history, more than 4.2 million overnight stays (+27.6% compared to 2022), more than 187 million euros in revenue from the hotel industry (+46.0% compared to 2022) and 18 million euros in Rural Tourism, exceeding 200 million euros in revenue and “consolidating a growing and increasingly competitive reputation at an international level”.

“With certain and determined steps, we have built a path that allows the sector to currently represent around 20% of Gross Added Value, 17% of GDP and 17% of regional employment. We are on the right track, with the right policies”, added the regional governor.

Berta Cabral also recalled that the Azores are the first archipelago in the world to receive the Gold Level of the Earth Check “Sustainable Destination” certification, achieved in 2024, and have also been considered, in the last two years, as the Best Adventure Tourism Destination in the World and Europe by the World Travel Awards (WTA).

The regional government attributes the “excellent results”, as well as the national and international awards and distinctions achieved, to the “joint action of the Government of the Azores and businesspeople linked to the sector”.

“We were able to identify the right moment to design and implement a new development strategy for the sector, aligned with the European Union's multiannual financial framework, which is reflected in PEMTA 2030 – Strategic and Marketing Plan for Tourism in the Azores – which is today an inspiration for the 2035 Strategy for Tourism in Portugal”, he states.

It is worth remembering that PEMTA 2030, which was structured in 2023, is aligned with the Region's certification as a “Sustainable Destination” and is based on strengthening sustainability, taking into account new trends and traveler profiles, and responding to the reality of the sector.