The President of the Government visited the Azorean Pavilion at BTL - Lisbon Tourism Market, where he defended the continuation of joint efforts between public entities and private entities in order to overcome the challenges this sector faces.

"We must be aware that the challenges the Azores Tourism faces are not just limited to the issue of air transport. We still have to win the challenges related to quality, qualification of resources, diversification and qualification of tourism products and the promotion of destination in some markets. These challenges are very important to the profitability and sustainability of the sector," said Vasco Cordeiro.

After visiting the Azorean Pavilion, the guest national destination of this year's edition, and establishing contacts with the businesspeople attending the event, the President of the Government stressed that in order to win these challenges, public and private entities should join efforts.

"Our entrepreneurs have proven their ability to improve their activities on a regular basis by investing in the quality and qualification of their products," said the government official.

Speaking to journalists, Vasco Cordeiro also recalled that the Azores Tourism grew over 10 percent in 2013. This fact evidences a significant evolution; however, we have not been able to reach the figures of the best year ever for regional tourism.

With this growth, said the President of the Government, "the Azores Tourism is entering a new phase." In this regard, the government official pointed out relevant data that supports this premise, such as the diversification of market and the subsequent reduction of excessive dependency on the domestic market.

"This is the path we must continue following; however, we cannot neglect the national market," Vasco Cordeiro defended, stressing that the Azores must continue following the path towards diversified and sustainable growth so that Tourism may successfully survive the challenges it faces every day.

The Government of the Azores also expects that the improvement of Portugal's financial and economic situation may increase the number of national tourists.
 
With an area of 720 square meters, the Azorean Pavilion was considered to be excellent by the Vasco Cordeiro, who noted that it embodies one of the main themes addressed at this event - sustainability - and uses regional materials, including Japanese cedar and basalt stone.