Professional enhancement "is one of the key factors for increasing the qualification of the Tourism sector,” defended the Regional Secretary for the Economy in Ponta Delgada this morning.

Luísa Schanderl spoke during the presentation of the 10 Fest Açores 2012, an event that will bring to Ponta Delgada several national and international food personalities by occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Tourism and Hotel School. The government official considered this type of events as "a good investment with positive effects in the long-term that will prepare us better for the challenges we all face in this activity.”

According to the government official, "the current times are very demanding and require that we be prepared for these challenges; we must be prepared to introduce innovation and assert our quality.”Asserting our quality", she said, "is essential to increase financial gains and boost income" in this area.

Luísa Schanderl also alluded to the recently released statistical data on overnight stays, considering that "the strategy followed by promotional campaigns in international markets is the most effective to ensure the success of Azores Tourism."

"This is also a sign of confidence as it demonstrates that we witnessing a structural change in the sector towards the reduction of dependence on the national market and the increasing diversification of foreign tourism markets," concluded the Regional Secretary.