The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport stated in Vila do Porto that the Government of the Azores has been working "permanently in order to leave no one behind on any island."
"In the face of difficulties, we have never lowered our arms; we have searched for solutions and opportunities in difficulties," said Vítor Fraga. The government official spoke at the opening of the Charming Blue Hotel.
Vítor Fraga pointed out that "when the main tourism indicators showed that Santa Maria did not follow the Region's growth trend," the Government developed "specific sales campaigns with national operators that included this island." In addition to improving communication with end customers, it also reinforced the "Meus Açores, Meus Amores" campaign and implemented "specific campaigns designed to stimulate domestic tourism."
The Secretary for Tourism also stressed the improvement of Santa Maria's tourism offer, "with the creation of a Grand Route, the organisation of events with wide media coverage, such as Columbus Trail Run or the International Seminar of the Portuguese Airline Pilots' Association, which was held at the Azores Aviation Training Centre."
"All these actions, together with the implantation of most important reform ever made in terms of accessibility and mobility of locals and visitors, have made the first seven months of this year the best seven months ever in terms of overnight stays in traditional hotel accommodation on Santa Maria and throughout the Region," added the government official.
In the case of Santa Maria, according to Vítor Fraga, "there were 2,722 more overnight stays over the same period of 2015, that is, a growth of 23.4%," adding that this represents "4,278 more overnight stays compared to the same period of 2012, i.e., 42.5%."
"If we look at the IATA winter, during which the effect of seasonality becomes more evident, overnight stays in all types of accommodation increased from 4,771 in the IATA winter 2012-2013 to 8,174 in the IATA winter 2015-2016, corresponding to a growth of 71.3%. As for the number of passengers landed in the archipelago, there are 6,789 more passengers in the first eight months of this year compared to the same period of 2012," said the government official.
Nevertheless, Vítor Fraga warned that "we should grow accommodated to the good indicators we have achieved." In this regard, he defended that "we must pursue the path outlined in the Strategic and Marketing Plan of the Azores Tourism. This is plan for all and to which all were called to provide their contribution; it is a plan that the structures the tourism offer in a perspective of complementarity between islands, showcasing the best that each island has to offer."
As the Regional Secretary reminded, this "plan recommends that, from now on, the investment in accommodation should mainly focus on small and medium sized units, which are associated with concepts of local culture and traditions, and with all the comfort provided by new architectural and building solutions. They should be always in compliance with the international standards on green building and respected the stipulated aesthetics criteria in accordance with the characteristics of the destination, always in a perspective of economic, social and environmental sustainability."
"Basically, they should reflect a "cool and cosy" concept that is clearly identified with our Region, that is, something that is relaxed and comfortable," said the government official.
Vítor Fraga congratulated the promoters of the Charming Blue Hotel, considering that "they the strategic vision to anticipate the plan's guidelines, being this unit an excellent example of what is intended for the Azores."
"We are looking at an investment of about five million Euros, which has been awarded the status of Project of Regional Interest (PIR). From the very beginning, the Government of the Azores has always supported this project, through the incentive systems in force," said the Regional Secretary.