The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport stated the fact that the tourism sector is experiencing a new period of development should not be regarded as a finishing line, but rather as starting point for the Azores to excel in tourism at a global level.
 
"The latest indicators continue to show that we are on a path of consolidation towards the sector's sustainability," Vítor Fraga said, highlighting the growth of 36.0% in overnight stays from January to May 2016. It is three times higher than the national average and injected directly more than 5.5 million Euros into the regional economy.
 
Vítor Fraga spoke at the presentation of the 28th National Congress on Hospitality and Tourism. He stressed that the Azores tourism "is experiencing a new period of development," reiterating that 2015 was "the best year ever in regional tourism."
 
However, the Secretary for Tourism stressed that "all this should not be regarded as a finishing line, but rather as a starting point."
 
"A starting point for us to overcome every day and not to be just good, but actually the best in a highly competitive industry on a global scale," said Vítor Fraga. According to him, the Region must have the permanent "ability to innovate, qualify and modernise its tourism offer, in general, and tourist accommodation, in particular."
 
In his speech, the government official pointed out that, as for hospitality, "we must sell the experience beyond accommodation, i.e., a unique experience that reflects the nature of the Azores as a tourist destination, being a region clearly identified with natural, built and cultural heritage."
 
The Regional Secretary reminded that the main regional tourist product is nature tourism, calling for the need to combine the concepts of culture and local traditions with the comfort provided by new construction and architectural solutions that comply with international standards for green buildings.
 
"Basically, we must create an Azorean concept of Cool and Cosy, in which visitors are involved in a unique environment that has the ability of surprise them and awaken their desire to return," said Vítor Fraga. In this regard, he ensured that entrepreneurs may rely on the Regional Government, which has always been on their side, to overcome and win the challenges they face."
 
"Our entrepreneurs know they are not alone," the government official said, highlighting the effective dynamics between the private sector and the Government in a clear alignment of strategic objectives. He pointed out, as example, the fact that the Region has "the most generous, comprehensive and intense incentive system that aims, in addition to attracting new investments, to contribute to the improvement of the offer available within the strategy for the development and qualification of the regional tourism offer."
 
Vítor Fraga noted that it is "an honour fir the Region to host an event with the prestige of the National Congress on Hospitality and Tourism," stressing that the Region will continue developing this vital sector of the Azorean economy, always taking into account its economic, environmental and social sustainability.
 
"I have said and insisted on the idea that tourism in the Azores is only good if it is actually good for those who live here. This is why I also believe that the development of this sector in the archipelago can only be done well to continue to rely, as I am sure it will, with the participation of all partners and entities, public and private, either public or private, such as the case of all represented by AHP (Portuguese Hotel Association)," said Vítor Fraga. He also conveyed his wish that the congress to be held in the Azores is the "best ever that AHP has organised."