The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stated in Horta that the Government's purpose is to "create conditions" so that tourism becomes an economic activity with "increased weight, either for its products (direct or indirect) or for job creation, taking into consideration its consolidated growth."

"With the respect for the environment, the essential basis of our identity, and the conscious and sustainable management of energy generation and use, we will be able to build a future in which tourism will assume an increasingly important role in our economy," said Marta Guerreiro.

Speaking at the Legislative Assembly during the debate of the Government's programme, the Regional Secretary highlighted the projection of “the destination's visibility as a strategic goal in order to mitigate the effect of seasonality and take advantage of the islands’ diversity with quality and differentiated products."

"The implementation of the Azores Strategic and Marketing Plan has been carried out with the contribution of all partners and players; it has was received on a consensual basis," added the government official.

Marta Guerreiro also announced, with a "demanding and nonconformist attitude," a strong investment in the qualification of the destination and the training of human resources as well as in the provision of quality tourism entertainment products.

The regional tourism sector registered 1.3 million overnight stays in the first nine months of this year, representing an increase of 21% over the same period of 2015. In this regard, the Regional Secretary also mentioned the goal to improve the quality of tourist accommodation in its different types, restaurants and similar establishments under the revision of the Tourism Management Plan of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (POTRA).

"We will develop our own concept for Nature Tourism, covering establishments, activities, accommodation, tourism entertainment and environmental services that are installed or developed in protected areas," said the government official.

As for environmental challenges, the Regional Secretary stressed that "the world is facing a historic turning point in the fight against climate change."

"The challenge we face - also here in the Azores - should be regarded as an opportunity for technological reconfiguration, ensuring competitiveness and sustainability in critical sectors, including the emerging market of green technologies. It is also important to equate fundamental issues regarding food and energy safety, safeguarding of people and property, and soil use and mobility policies," stressed the government official.

Bearing this goal on mind, the Government is implementing the new process for the preparation of Regional Plan for Climate Change (PRAC), which, according to Marta Guerreiro, will be concluded over the next year.

"The Azores have natural conditions that can position itself as a reference in the adoption of sustainable energy policies," the government official said, revealing that the Government will implement a series of measures to achieve the goals that promote energy efficiency, being in line with the European strategy; it is based on economic rationality and sustainable development. 

The government official highlighted, among other goals, the promotion of energy-efficient consumption and behaviour and the focus on technological innovation and energy efficiency, developing pilot projects in public administration and in schools.

Marta Guerreiro stressed that we have the "conditions to promote the Azores in the context of European insular spaces, like a real "laboratory" for electric mobility solutions."

In this regard, she added that "this action will increase energy efficiency and optimise electricity consumption, reducing CO2 emissions and energy dependence of the Azores from external sources." According to her, it will also support the "spreading of electric passenger or commercial vehicles, either public or private."

"We intend to make the Region an international reference for pioneering the decarbonisation of mobility and receiving the classification of innovative and energetically sustainable Region, which is in line with the type of tourism we stand for," said Marta Guerreiro.