Azores tourism association warns of decline and calls for air connectivity diversification

The Azores Local Accommodation Association (ALA) is calling for a more diversified air connectivity strategy to protect the archipelago's tourism sector. The association warns that the region has experienced 11 consecutive months of declining tourist overnight stays, a trend that highlights the risks of relying on the short-term decisions of individual airline operators.

ALA President João Pinheiro stated that the current situation in the Azores should serve as a warning for all Portuguese regions regarding the importance of structural planning for connectivity. He emphasized that the reduction in air capacity has a ripple effect across the entire regional economy.

Furthermore, the ALA is advocating for a change in how destinations are promoted, suggesting that specialized entities should lead these efforts. The association has called for more active involvement from Turismo de Portugal to help address regional constraints and support the recovery of destinations that contribute to the national brand.