The proximity to the main tourism issuing markets in Europe and North America, the existence of airports and maritime ports on all the islands, the temperate climate, the uniqueness of the landscape and the cultural diversity provided by insularity are strengths of this sector in the Azores.
Tourism Sector Growth
In the last years, Tourism as gained importance in terms of the regional economy, to the point of being one of the three most important sectors, and with good growth perspectives.
Passengers disembarked in the Azores | D | |
2014 | 908 185 | 6,1% |
2015 | 1 100 394 | 21,2% |
2016 | 1 319 489 | 19,9% |
2017 | 1 563 155 | 18,5% |
2018 | 1 618 926 | 3,6% |
2019 | 1 703 821 | 5% |
Guests (Total Lodgings Azores) | |
2014 | 386 449 |
2015 | 506 155 |
2016 | 625 941 |
2017 | 767 977 |
2018 | 840 523 |
2019 | 971 794 |
Overnight stays (Total Lodgings Azores) | |
2014 | 1 231 247 |
2015 | 1 548 389 |
2016 | 1 976 341 |
2017 | 2 384 678 |
2018 | 2 563 640 |
2019 | 3 009 845 |
Source: SREA
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Awards and Distinctions
The Green Destinations: Top 100 Sustainable Destinations (2018).
National Geographic Traveler: the most beautiful destination in the world for holidays or business trips (2016).
Coastal & Marine Union: Platinum Quality Coast Destination in the World (2014).
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the city of Angra do Heroísmo, at Terceira Island, and the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture.
UNESCO World Network Biosphere Reserves: islands of Corvo (2007), Flores (2007), Graciosa (2009) and the “Fajãs” of São Jorge Island (2016).
The Azores are the first archipelago in the world to achieve international certification of sustainable destination by an entity accredited by the Global Council for Sustainable Tourism.
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Nature and Active Tourism
The location of the Archipelago, the exceptional beauty of its landscapes, the volcanic nature of the islands, are several of the factors which provide unique experiences, in all types of activities, such as caving (speleology), trekking, bird watching, among many others.
Health and Wellness
There is a huge potential in the areas of health and wellness tourism, particularly regarding the promotion, prevention, and maintenance of health, as well as rest and leisure.
Investment’s possibilities include specialized clinics, spas, and hot-spring resorts.
Click here for more information on Azorean tourism.