Azores authorises €2.8m Visit Azores promotion contract
Azores GuideThe Azores has authorised €2.8 million for Visit Azores promotion, as draft 2027 plans propose €17.2 million for tourism promotion and sustainable destination development.
The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructure has authorised a €2.8 million programme contract with Visit Azores for a plan of actions to promote the Azores destination.
The allocation falls under a Regional Government Council resolution of 31 July that set a maximum global limit of €3.05 million in financial contributions to be granted in 2026. Two further programme contracts were authorised: €150,000 for the Azores Sustainable Tourism Observatory for studies and surveys, and €100,000 for INOVA to promote thermal tourism and improve the regional offer.
Separately, the Azores' draft 2027 Plan and Budget foresee €17.2 million for tourism promotion, €8.3 million more than in 2026. The draft Budget allocates about €17.2 million to promotion and sustainable development of the destination, compared with €8.9 million for tourism promotion and development in the 2026 Budget.
The documents say international promotion will be strengthened in strategic markets and higher value-added segments, seeking to increase year-round demand, average visitor stays and tourist spending. Planned activity includes sustainable promotion, tourist information, fairs, educational trips, promotional materials, incentives to external entities and events.
Tourism represents 17.2% of regional employment, according to the draft documents. The business-sector calls for greater promotion investment and a change in the route-attraction strategy come as overnight stays in the region have fallen for 11 consecutive months.
The 2027 Plan and Budget will be discussed and voted on in November at the Regional Legislative Assembly in Horta, on Faial island. Before submission to the assembly, the proposals will go to the Island Councils and the Economic and Social Council of the Azores for opinions.
This site previously reported that the Azores will launch a winter tourism campaign for the domestic market.
Update — 2026-10-03
The 2027 draft plans also prioritise the mobility of people and goods within and outside the Azores. They retain the Tarifa Açores, the Passe Açores 9 Ilhas and inter-island public-service obligations, and begin a new public-service contract tailored to each island. Planned airport measures include land expropriation around Graciosa aerodrome, new fire engines for Pico, São Jorge and Graciosa, and further work to extend Pico's runway. Port projects include the new Lajes das Flores port, coastal protection at Cais do Pico, upgrades to Praia da Vitória's port terminal and Horta commercial port, and rehabilitation of the Porto das Pipas building. The INOVA contract covers quality assurance for thermal facilities, particularly those open to the public, and the development of health and wellness tourism products and services.
Sources
Azores Guide
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