The Government of the Azores is still awaiting the response from the National Government regarding the request to join the World Tourism Organisation (OMT).

The intention of the Azores was conveyed to the National Government, which is the entity responsible for the submission of the request for the Region's accession to this specialised UN organisation.

As Portugal was elected executive member of the UNWTO, the Azorean Government expected that the Portuguese Government may impose equal treatment between the two Autonomous Regions, allowing the Azores join this organisation as associate member, such as the case with Madeira.

The Azorean Government welcomes the election of Portugal to the Executive Council of the World Tourism Organisation, considering that is also a reflex of the stimulus the Azores have provided to the development of the tourism sector in the country.