The President of the Government considered that the opening of Furnas Boutique Hotel in the municipality of Povoação represents a "victory over disbelief, dismay and distrust and over those who expressed their pessimism" regarding this complex process.

"This was a complex process that had dragged on for a long time. In spite of being mainly focused on the private sector, the Government of the Azores also considered that it was also its duty to help solving this situation, "said Vasco Cordeiro, who spoke at the opening of this new hotel unit owned by DHM - Discovery Hotel Management.

According to him, the fact that this new hotel is in operation, which does not mean that everything is done, demonstrates to all those "who have never believed in and to those who even scorned and disdained the efforts that were undertaken" in order to implement this project.

In his speech, Vasco Cordeiro left also publicly acknowledged to the Vice-President of the Government, Sérgio Ávila, who took over this complex and lengthy process, but with "persistence and determination," providing an important contribution to its resolution.

The President of the Government stressed, however, that the opening of the Furnas Boutique Hotel Thermal & SPA confirms the signs of confidence and hope that the tourism sector is showing not just from March 29, but already before the entry into force of the new model of air accessibility to the Region.

According to official data, the number of overnight stays grew by 26% in November, 23% in December, 34% in January, 24% in February and 19% in March this year.

"This effort is clearly producing results but, above all, it gives us confidence that this path will bring more positive results" to regional economy in terms of job creation and wealth generation, "the challenges that still lie ahead of us," said Vasco Cordeiro.

According to the President of the Government, the new model of air access and the reduction of taxes in the Azores are critical to effectively strengthen these signs of confidence and hope in the results that this effort can still bear.

Vasco Cordeiro added that, despite these positive indicators, it is important to continue the effort to improve and possibly correct aspects that may be deemed necessary.
 
"The strategy for the tourism promotion methodology of our Region is an example of this need to continue improving some aspects. It must be adapted to a new reality in which accessibility has  greatly changed and we have to address the new needs," said Vasco Cordeiro.