The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism announced that the public discussion of the revision proposal of the Tourism Management Programme of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (POTRAA) will take place between January 22 and March 22 with public information sessions on all islands, calling for the participation of all citizens.
 
"This is the result of a long work that involved several public administration departments related to the sector as well as various private entities with interest in the matter. We believe it reflects the path we intend to follow as a strategic programme that guides investments regarding their implementation in the territory," said Marta Guerreiro.
 
According to the government official, "everyone is aware of what tourism has provided to the Region," either because of the significant economic dynamics generated or because of the new employment opportunities arising in areas directly and indirectly related to the sector or even because of the revitalisation of urban centres. Therefore, "rigorous planning tools are needed to ensure that the investments made are in line with our identity, while reconciling economic development interests with social and environmental issues" in order to guarantee "increased quality of life" for all Azoreans.
 
The POTRAA proposal, about to enter into public discussion, is based on a strategic vision towards the consolidation of the Azores as an authentic tourist destination, with special emphasis on its unique cultural, natural and landscape resources and heritage values, which identify each island and the Region as a whole. The destination is managed according to an orderly, sustainable, secure and competitive model that coordinates public policies and ensures the participation of different stakeholders, while exceeding the expectations of those visiting the archipelago.
 
The revision of POTRAA was determined by the Resolution of the Council of the Government no.101/2015 of July 15, amended and republished by Resolution no.74/2017 of August 7. The drafting process was accompanied by an advisory committee composed of representative entities with interest in the sector, the Association of Municipalities of the Region and Regional Government departments.
 
The documents concerning the revision of POTRAA and its Environmental Report are available for consultation at the Regional Directorate for Tourism in Horta and at the Tourism Offices of all islands.
 
The consultation of documents and participation may also take place online at the address http://potraa.quaternaire.pt.
 
The first public information session will be held in Flores at the Santa Cruz Municipal Auditorium on February 4, followed by the island of Terceira on the next day at Luís da Silva Ribeiro Public Library and Regional Archive in Angra do Heroísmo. On the island of São Miguel, the session will be held at the Ponta Delgada Public Library and Regional Archive on February 11; all sessions start at 6 PM.
 
On February 12, the session will take place on Faial at the João José da Graça Public Library and regional Archive in Horta at 9 PM. In turn, it will be held on the following day on Pico at the Madalena Municipal Auditorium at 6 PM, while Santa Maria will host this session at Vila do Porto Municipal Library on February 21 at 9 PM.
 
On February 25 and 26, the sessions will be held on Graciosa at the Multipurpose Building in Santa Cruz and on São Jorge at Velas Basic Education and Secondary School, respectively; both sections are scheduled for 6 PM. Finally, the last session will take place at the Social Centre of "Santa Casa da Misericórdia" of Corvo on March 13 at 8 PM.
 
Marta Guerreiro spoke at the end of a visit to the construction works of "Sul Infinito Resort," a project that comprises 16 four-star tourist apartments located in Lagoa with an expected capacity of 36 beds. The works are estimated to be completed by May.
 
The Regional Secretary pointed out that this is "an excellent example of a small-sized resort that is perfectly fitted into its surrounding area, providing services focused on leisure activities and well-being. It has all the potential to improve the quality of our tourism offer and capture market niches who value being in the Azores," promoting an image of comfort and proximity.
 
The Secretary for Tourism stressed that the project "meets a series of goals that fall within the regional strategy for tourism, not only in terms of its quality and small size but also in terms of its integration into the surrounding area and respect for the environment."
 
The government official also highlighted the concerns about energy efficiency or water use, noting that current incentive systems "already reward and value, with an increase of support, the projects addressing these concerns as they are, in fact, the path we want to promote."
 
Marta Guerreiro also stressed the importance of continuing the sustainable path of the sector, with all municipalities benefiting from its evolution, pointing out that this project can "make all the difference in the case of Lagoa as it will further enhance the existing tourist spots" such as its bathing áreas.