Azores President: Resident Well-being Key to Tourism Success
The President of the Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, has issued a firm call to prioritize sustainability in the tourism industry, arguing that the industry’s success must be measured by the well-being of its local citizens rather than just visitor numbers.
Residents at the Heart of Tourism
Speaking at the closing session of the Atlantic Tourism Conference (Jornadas Atlânticas de Turismo) on the island of São Jorge, Bolieiro emphasized that the industry’s growth must translate into a higher quality of life for those who call the islands home. “Tourism is only good if it is good for the resident population,” Bolieiro stated, framing the sector as a tool for social benefit rather than just commercial gain.
The President also highlighted that sustainability must extend to the entrepreneurs who navigate the volatile nature of the industry. He called for a consistent path of “added value,” noting that tourism acts as a cross-cutting engine capable of boosting multiple sectors of the Azorean economy.
A Gold Standard in Sustainability
Bolieiro pointed to the Azores’ rigorous international certification process as proof of the region’s commitment to the environment. The archipelago was first certified as a sustainable tourist destination by EarthCheck in 2019 and has recently achieved the prestigious Gold Level II status in 2025.
Reflecting on the sector’s resilience, Bolieiro noted that the Azores successfully navigated the challenges of the pandemic, post-pandemic crises, and international conflicts. While 2019 was once considered the benchmark year for local tourism, the region reached record-breaking highs in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Despite recent market fluctuations observed in 2026, he urged leaders to maintain a steady course and strengthen their resilience against external global factors.
Atlantic Cooperation: A ‘Culture of Plurality’
The conference also served as a platform for deeper cooperation between the Atlantic archipelagos. Born out of a twinning agreement between the municipalities of Velas (Azores), Sal (Cape Verde), and Porto Santo (Madeira), the event focused on the shared challenges facing island destinations.
Bolieiro advocated for a “culture of plurality,” emphasizing that while cooperation is vital, the specificities of each territory must be respected. He stressed the importance of territorial equity, ensuring that tourism opportunities are distributed fairly across all islands rather than being concentrated in a few hubs.
By finding a “unity of action and strategy,” Bolieiro believes the Azores, Madeira, and Cape Verde can collectively increase their influence and establish the Atlantic as a premier global geography for sustainable, innovative, and culturally rich travel.
Image: Pexels – Rino Adamo
