According to the data released today the Regional Statistics Service, 2015 was the best year ever for Azores tourism. In this regard, the Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport considered that they reflect the joint work developed by public and private entities.
 
"Being the best year ever in several indicators of the sector, the year 2015 clearly reflects the work that has been developed, either by public authorities or by private authorities, and give us renewed strength to continue improving this sector, which is increasingly strategic for the Region," said Vítor Fraga.
 
The Regional Secretary spoke to journalists in Horta on the sidelines of the works of the Legislative Assembly, stating that "there are quite significant growths on almost all islands." He noted that the month of December "has a specific characteristic that is reflected in the significant increase of the sector registered by several islands. In fact, the Region has recorded the highest growth ever achieved, with an increase in the number of overnight stays exceeding 50%."
 
According to Vítor Fraga, "there is no single factor responsible for this growth; there are a number of factors that have leveraged it."
 
In this context, the Regional Secretary stated that the revision of the accessibility model is a major factor, but there are more factors to consider, such as the promotion policies that that has been followed by the Region over the years, based on a clear strategy of direct communication with the target markets, and the repositioning of the destination. In the latter case, we have reached market segments with purchasing power that have the possibility to visit us, replacing the market segments that used to visit us but no longer have this possibility." 
 
In this allusion to the domestic market, Vítor Fraga pointed out that the growth is the result of "the amendments introduced to the accessibility model and the entry into operation of low cost companies." Moreover, it is also due to the repositioning to the market segments that show more interest in active tourism, which is developed based on nature-related activities."
 
Asked about the prospects for 2016, the Regional Secretary took the commitment to continue working "as we have done so far, so that the sector may become more sustainable economically, socially and environmentally."
 
"This is our main goal for coming years," said Vítor Fraga.