The Regional Director for Tourism participated in the 9th International Tourism Forum, where he highlighted the features of the archipelago of the Azores as a nature tourism destination. The event was organised by the Institute for Tourism Planning and Development.

Speaking at the meeting held in Vila Nova de Gaia on Thursday, João Bettencourt stressed that the Azores a tourist destination that privileges nature. In fact, it goes beyond the simple enjoyment of nature; our destination offers an active nature that provides unique experiences and unparalleled emotions to those who visit the archipelago.

"Thanks to the joint effort between public and private sectors, we have created infrastructures, improved accessibility and supported the construction of hotels and the provision of carefully structured tourist leisure activities. We have defined our destination and the implementation of promotional policies; we have built the foundations of a true tourist destination," said the Regional Director for Tourism.

In this regard, the government official stressed that "all these aspects have made the Azores a fashionable destination, being recognised worldwide for their full compliance with the concept of Sustainable Tourism." 

Held under the theme "Opportunities and Challenges of Tourist Destinations, the meeting featured several national and international speakers, who shared their knowledge and experiences on the development of this sector. Contrary to the downward trend registered in various economic sectors, the tourism sector has maintained an upward trend in most destinations.

Special emphasis was also given to the destinations that have managed to distinguish themselves for the quality of their offer; these destinations have not fallen into the temptation of boosting their competitiveness with low prices. Currently, most tourists are searching for the authenticity of destinations: the emotions arising from a close contact with nature as well as with the local culture and people. On the contrary, the artificiality of tourist destinations aimed at the masses is becoming less popular.