Welcoming tourists safely is the Regional Government's priority, says Marta Guerreiro
The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stated today that "welcoming tourists safely is the Regional Government's priority so that they may have confidence in choosing" the archipelago as a tourist destination.
Marta Guerreiro spoke at the web conference "Azores: preparing for the future," an event promoted by the Publituris newspaper that closed a cycle of webinars dedicated to the tourism sector in all regions of the country. The initiative also included the participation of the Azores Tourism Association, Sata Group, Finançor Group and Newtour Group.
According to the government official, it is important to convey a massage of safety "to all Azoreans" as well as to all "those who intend to visit" the Azores at a moment when tourism activity is being resumed with the safeguarding of public health as its main priority."
The Regional Secretary stressed that "entrepreneurs are prepared" for the resumption of tourism, highlighting the creation of the Handbook on Covid-19 Good Practices dedicated to the sector. It is the basis for the awarding of the "Clean & Safe Azores" seal, which is adapted to the regional reality but benefits from the promotional investments of Tourism of Portugal.
In addition, the Secretary for Tourism emphasised the "capacity to test visitors" arriving in the Azores and to treat "any positive cases that may arise from such tests" as another important measure that ensures the safety of all, i.e., those living in the Azores and those who choose the Azores as a holiday destination.
As a result of the measures adopted and the behaviour of the Azoreans, "the epidemiological situation of today is quite favourable," Marta Guerreiro stressed, adding that it is important to know in this "new normality" how to live with the virus and to have the capacity to "test, identify, monitor and treat" any cases that may arise.
In addition to safety issues, the government official stressed that the positioning of the Azores fits into with what will be the new demand of travellers in the near future.
If many destinations are considering a restructuring in view of the current situation, "the Azores are at the forefront" of what are "the concerns of those who seek a holiday destination," said Marta Guerreiro.
"We are the only archipelago in the world and the only region in Portugal bearing the Sustainable Tourism Destination certification. The size of our tourist infrastructures is appropriate to what is the demand of today and we provide exclusive experiences with products of excellence. We are a genuine and hospitable people, who are increasingly imbued with sustainable practices, in addition to our low tourist density," stressed the Regional Secretary.
Marta Guerreiro also pointed out that "today is a special day" as it marks the resumption of inter-island transport operated by SATA Air Açores, without the need for any procedure or prior authorisation. It is also the date when passengers arriving in the Region will no longer have to remain in prophylactic isolation for 14 days.
"We are fortunate to have a regional airline and this is decisive - and has been decisive - in the solutions to be implemented," said the government official.
In her speech, Marta Guerreiro left a message to all entrepreneurs in the sector for the “unique path” taken in the development of tourism, “anticipating the organisation and planning efforts in favour of the territory and the sector, always in line with the measures that are required today from all world tourist destinations."
The Azores and their players have established themselves at the forefront of the most competitive destinations in the world, seeing that they fulfil all the requirements imposed by the current concept of safe and exclusive tourism," said the Regional Secretary.
Marta Guerreiro stressed that “the Azores are better positioned than the most competitive destinations” in view of the demand for “positive tourism,” as opposed to mass tourism, with high value markets that "privilege genuineness, solidarity and sustainability."