Azores are the only region in the country with double-digit growth in overnight stays, highlights Marta Guerreiro
The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stressed in Lisbon that the Azores are "the only region in the country" that registered a growth above two digits in overnight stays in the three main types of accommodation (Traditional Hospitality, Rural Tourism and Local Accommodation), according to data as of October 2019.
Marta Guerreiro spoke on the sidelines of the meeting of the Strategic Council for Tourism Promotion, highlighting the growth of 16.7% at a national average rate that remains at 3.9%.
Regarding Traditional Hospitality, the government official noted a growth of 10.1% in total revenue, compared with an average national growth of 5.6%, which reflects, in turn, the good growth rate.
The Secretary for Tourism also stressed that the REVPAR stands at 48 Euros, with a growth rate of 7.1%, compared to a national growth rate of 2.7%.
"This important indicator, which effectively reflects the profitability of hotel units, has never been so close to the profitability level of the hotel units in the archipelago of Madeira, which registered a decrease of 7% in this period," noted the government official.
Marta Guerreiro expressed her satisfaction with the results achieved in 2019 in the regional tourism sector, particularly at a time when some island destinations are slowing down. According to her, "this represents a clear sign of the growing international projection of the Azores destination, but also the resilience of all regional entrepreneurs and professionals in the sector."
The Regional Secretary also stressed that, through the Azores, the country has been achieving "prominence" in terms of sustainable practices in this area, pointing out the certification of the Azores as a Sustainable Tourist Destination. It is the only region in the country bearing this certification and the only archipelago in the world.
The Strategic Council for Tourism Promotion is promoted by the Secretary of State for Tourism with several directorates and departments of Tourism of Portugal. This meeting was also attended by the Minister of State, Economy and Digital Transition, Pedro Siza Vieira.
It focused on the assessment of the performance and goals of the Tourism Strategy 27 as well as on the presentation of the goals and prospects for the identified challenges, namely accessibility, markets, distribution, products and segments.
In the case of the Azores, Marta Guerreiro highlighted the mitigation of seasonality, the increase and distribution of tourism flows, qualification and promotion as priorities of the sector in face of the current challenges.