The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport stressed in Ponta Delgada the relevance of the Holy Christ of Miracles Festivities for the Azores, not only for their religious importance but also for their impact on the local economy.

Speaking to journalists at the end of an audience with the Chairman of the Holy Christ of Miracles Brotherhood, Vítor Fraga mentioned that these festivities "are one of the main tourist attractions of the Azores. These festivities are important in the area of religious tourism due to the deep religious meaning and are also a tourist attraction that leads visitors to the Azores."

The Government of the Azores has supported the Holy Christ of Miracles Brotherhood in the organisation and these festivities.  This year, the Government strengthened the financial support, amounting to 30 thousand Euros, in addition to the logistical support to the decoration of Ponta Delgada streets.

Vítor Fraga highlighted the importance of these festivities to the Region, stressing that they "have a very strong impact on the attraction of visitors to the island of São Miguel at this time of the year." The government official admitted that 2015 could be a "record year" in terms of visitors. According to the estimates of some entities in the sector, "the hotel occupancy rates reach nearly 90%, which clearly evidence the increased flow of tourists during the Holy Christ of Miracles Festivities."

According to Vítor Fraga, the optimistic estimates for the tourism sector during these festivities demonstrate "the confidence of the sector in the results achieved by the private entities as well as in the Region's capacity to increase tourism flows. This is the result of an effort that has been developed over the years by public and private entities."