The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stressed the importance of the new Ryanair route from Manchester to Ponta Delgada as a "reinforcement" in connectivity with the United Kingdom, one of the strategic tourism markets for the Azores.
 
Marta Guerreiro spoke at Ponta Delgada Airport on the arrival of the inaugural flight. This weekly route will take place during the IATA summer with an estimated 21 rotations, which represents an increase of the tourist influx from the British market.
 
The Secretary for Tourism stated that "during this year, some 75 flights are planned between the Azores and the United Kingdom, now via Manchester, but also with the existing flight connections to London operated by Ryanair and Azores Airlines."
 
"The definition of our destination and of what we have to offer is directly related to the interests of British travellers insofar as the Azores a lush green archipelago composed of nine islands in the middle of the North Atlantic with a temperate and mild climate throughout the year," added the government official.
 
According to Marta Guerreiro, "the British are recognised as one of the people with the greatest desire to travel outside their country, which, together with the geographical proximity of the Azores, allow us to assess the good growth potential of this market for the Region."
 
In this context, she pointed out that "this was the tourism market that registered more guests and overnight stays nationwide in 2017. It was the seventh largest market in the Azores, clearly demonstrating its growth potential."
 
Marta Guerreiro also mentioned that the Region has made a "significant investment" in the promotion of its tourism products and experiences through various actions. They include the participation in the most important tourism fairs in the United Kingdom, the organisation of marketing campaigns with tour operators and the promotion of online platforms, along with the organisation of the event "Fam and Press Trips."