The Regional Director for Tourism stated in Praia da Vitória that the Government of the Azores has been working to reconcile the growth of the tourism sector with social and environmental responsibility, regarding environmental quality an asset in terms of competitiveness.

João Bettencourt spoke at the Forum on Biodiversity and Nautical Tourism, stressing that tourism is the activity with the highest projection in the Azores over the last decade and a half. In this regard, the government official mentioned the Government's concern to create the necessary mechanisms for their sustainable development.

"In the Azores, we have seen the development of the sector in a sustained pace, always based on harmony with the environment and respect for what most identifies and distinguishes the Azores: nature, biodiversity and the sea," said João Bettencourt.
 
According to him, "these are the "key elements" of the destination's authenticity, generating genuine experiences and contributing to the recognition of the Azores as a "distinctive, attractive and desirable" destination.

In addition to the elements of nature, the Regional Director for Tourism noted the importance of seizing the potentialities of these resources in a balanced manner. The management of tourism growth can be achieved through adequate planning in order to minimise negative impact, maximise financial return to the destination and involve the local community.

"We have distinctive features that distinguish and differentiate us. In this regard, we are searching for tourism flows in markets that will allow us to develop this activity in a balanced manner without putting our natural resources into jeopardy," said the government official.

In his speech delivered at the meeting, João Bettencourt also mentioned several aspects that regional tourism should take into account for the sustainable development of this activity, which is increasingly important in terms of economic growth, job creation and use of resources.

For the Regional Director, tourism activities should be "attentive to the efficient use of resources such as water and energy, the careful management of waste, and the innovative approach to new themes like electric mobility or the use of renewable energy sources."

As for social aspects, João Bettencourt stressed the improvement of the "quality of employment and vocational training in the sector, and the leading approach to issues of sustainability, such as the efficient use of cultural and natural resources. The Regional Director also emphasised the "improvement of the quality of life and the conditions of urban and natural public areas as well as the promotion of cultural and sports activities in the Region"; the latter have an actual impact on tourism.
 
"The only way to develop tourism in the Azores requires the adoption of a model of sustainable development insofar as natural and cultural resources are the basis of all economic activities developed by this sector," said the Regional Director.

"The sea that unites us and separates us is our natural border. Our island status means that we have a limited set of economic activities, where we can have competitive advantages. Tourism, together with the environment, is certainly one of them," said João Bettencourt.