Tourism, Environment and Energy pointed out as economic growth sectors in the Azores, says Marta Guerreiro
The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism assured in Horta that one of the Regional Government's concerns is to boost the economic growth of the archipelago, with the uncompromising protection of the features that make our islands different and unique in the world. The goal will be achieved by combining tourism with the environment and energy.
Marta Guerreiro spoke at the Legislative Assembly at the end of the hearings at the Committees on Economic Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Environment and Labour. She highlighted a "series of investments and actions planned for these three areas that are closely related and make sense together," with an overall allocation over 50 million Euros for 2017. There is a concerted strategy with energy sustainability and protection of natural resources with the aim of seizing the potentialities of tourism in the archipelago as a nature destination.
Regarding the environment, the Regional Secretary stressed that 2017 will focus on the preservation of biodiversity, water, waste management and combat to invasive species, in addition to the completion of the Plan on Climate Change.
In 2017, one the Government primary goals concerns the development of a regional energy policy agenda, based on the growth of energy efficiency as well as on the reduction of dependence and costs on fossil fuels.
As for the electric mobility strategy, Marta Guerreiro stressed its implementation this year, adding that the Region has "the ideal conditions to develop this project." It is already working in partnership with local authorities, companies operating in the fuel sector and car dealers.
In the tourism sector, the priority concerns the consolidation of active tourism based on activities developed in natural spaces. According to Marta Guerreiro, "there will be an investment in training aimed at those starting to work in the sector or already in the labour market, but also to those who want to find a new professional in tourism.”
Marta Guerreiro also stressed the "promotion of tourism in the markets defined under the Strategic Marketing Plan of the Azores Tourism. This tool gathered consensus after discussion with all industry partners and came into force last year. It clearly defines the market and the products of each island.