The Azores received the award for Best National Tourism Region at the 20th edition of the Publituris Portugal Travel Awards. According to the Regional Secretary responsible for Tourism, Berta Cabral, this is further proof that the "right path is being followed to consolidate" the destination.

The announcement was made in Elvas, where the Region was nominated in nine categories and received two awards: Azores - Best National Tourism Region and Picos de Aventura - Best Tourist Entertainment Company.

The award was delivered to the Regional Director for Tourism, Rosa Costa, on behalf of the Government of the Azores.

The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures welcomes the new award, noting that it joins the many received in recent years at a national and international level. In 2024, for the second year running, the Azores won the World's Best Adventure Tourism Destination award at the World Travel Awards and were awarded the Gold Level certification as a "Sustainable Destination" by EarthCheck, among many other distinctions.

"This is the evidence that the Regional Government is working proficiently to develop this sector, which spans all other sectors and is the driving force of the regional economy. The Azores Destination has been consolidated," stressed Berta Cabral.

She continued: "Tourism is already in a process of truly sustainable growth, especially since 2022, and is one of the main economic driving forces in the Azores."

She highlighted the statistics regarding tourism activity in 2024, as there were, for the first time in history, more than 4.2 million overnight stays (+27.6% compared to 2022), more than 187 million Euros in hospitality revenue (+46.0% compared to 2022) and 18 million Euros in Rural Tourism, surpassing 200 million Euros and consolidating a growing and increasingly competitive reputation at an international level.

"We have confirmed, beyond any doubt, that 2024 was a truly “Golden Year” and that tourism is undergoing a process of truly sustainable growth. Tourism is a major catalyst for the Azorean economy and the main economic activity creating wealth, jobs, investment, and opportunities for the future of our islands," she said.

For Berta Cabral, the Regional Government, "with resolute and determined steps, has built a path that allows the sector to currently represent about 20% of Gross Value Added, 17% of GDP and 17% of regional employment."

"We are on the right track, with the right policies," she emphasised.

It should be noted that the Portugal Travel Awards 2025 featured a special report dedicated to the Azores.

Publituris spent three days on the island of São Miguel and found a destination that continues to grow, attracting ever more tourists, especially from the United States of America.

The authenticity and range of activities on land and sea, as well as the natural landscapes, prove the growth in demand for a sustainable and increasingly vibrant destination.

For Berta Cabral, ‘the Azores are experiencing a very positive moment in tourism, with the opening of a growing number of international air routes, and the major focus remains on mitigating seasonality and consolidating tourism all year round and on all islands."

There were 177 nominees in 22 categories for the 2025 edition of the Publituris Portugal Travel Awards. The nominees were chosen by the Publituris team. The winners were elected by a weighted average of the votes cast by the jury (45%), Publituris subscribers (45%) and daily newsletter subscribers (10%).

Every year, the Publituris newspaper organises two events to distinguish excellence in tourism: the Portugal Trade Awards and the Portugal Travel Awards. This initiative, the only one of its kind in Portugal, began in 1969 under the designation "The Best of Tourism in Portugal."