Thursday, May 22, 2025
The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, has witnessed a remarkable surge in tourism activity during the high season of 2024, driven primarily by travelers from the United States of America, Spain, and Germany. According to insights gathered by the Sustainable Tourism Observatory of the Azores, these three countries contributed the largest shares of international tourists, with Americans accounting for twenty-one point two three percent, Spanish visitors making up twenty point eight four percent, and German travelers close behind at twenty point seven one percent.
This uptrend in arrivals is part of a larger pattern of international travel resumption and intensification, especially to sustainable, safe, and less crowded island destinations—factors that are becoming critical to post-pandemic travel preferences globally.
Visitor Motivation: What Draws Tourists to the Azores
The Observatory’s Satisfaction Survey of Tourists Visiting the Azores – High Season 2024 revealed key motivations influencing travel decisions. A substantial twenty-nine point seven four percent of respondents cited personal recommendations from family and friends as their reason for visiting the Azores. This was followed by influence from the Internet at fourteen point four eight percent, while previous visit experience and social media platforms accounted for eight point three one percent and seven point eight six percent, respectively.
Other motivations included:
- The Azores being recognized as a safe destination (six point one zero percent)
- Its status as a relatively undiscovered location (five point four five percent)
- The appeal of being an island destination (four point six eight percent)
- The region’s sustainable and eco-friendly nature (four point six one percent)
A smaller percentage of visitors were influenced by recommendations from travel agents, proximity, affordable pricing, promotional material, media advertising, and tourism fairs.
Tourist Spending Patterns and Satisfaction Levels
The research also highlighted tourist spending behavior, providing valuable insight for global travel and hospitality industries. It was found that around thirty-five percent of tourist expenditures were directed towards transportation and accommodation, with many visitors spending over one thousand euros in these areas. When it came to food, fifty-seven point seven percent spent between two hundred and four hundred ninety-nine euros.
Tourist satisfaction levels were notably high:
- Seventy-three point two percent expressed satisfaction with the pricing and punctuality of air travel
- Eighty-one point six percent were content with the size and comfort of accommodations
- Seventy-three point four percent felt positively about the quality of service in restaurants
These figures indicate that the Azores has successfully met expectations in key service areas, aligning with global traveler demands for quality, reliability, and value for money.
Areas for Improvement and Return Intentions
Despite the overwhelmingly positive responses, visitors did highlight certain areas that require attention. These included:
- Public transportation networks
- The diversity of cultural and entertainment events
- Restaurant offerings
- Tourist signage
- Road and airport infrastructure
Such feedback is crucial for regions like the Azores seeking to enhance their long-term appeal and remain competitive in the international tourism market.
Importantly, seventy-three point three percent of respondents indicated that they would consider returning to the Azores, suggesting a high level of destination loyalty, which can drive repeat visitation and stable economic benefits.
Record-Breaking Performance in Overnight Stays and Revenue
The Azores Sustainable Tourism Observatory reported historic milestones in 2024. For the first time, more than four point two million overnight stays were recorded, which represents a twenty-seven point six percent increase compared to 2022. The hotel industry alone generated over one hundred eighty-seven million euros, marking a forty-six percent revenue jump from 2022. Furthermore, rural tourism contributed eighteen million euros, pushing the overall revenue from tourism past two hundred million euros.
This growth not only reflects a sharp rebound in post-pandemic travel but also underlines the rising global interest in sustainable island destinations.
Tourism’s Economic Contribution to the Region
Tourism has now established itself as a cornerstone of the Azorean economy:
- Contributes approximately twenty percent to Gross Added Value
- Represents seventeen percent of GDP
- Provides seventeen percent of regional employment
Such figures emphasize the sector’s pivotal role in economic resilience, employment, and regional development.
Survey Scope and Significance for the Travel Industry
The data was collected from 1,550 valid surveys, of which 273 respondents were residents of Portugal, while 1,267 were international travelers. This international focus highlights the global appeal of the Azores and reflects broader trends in eco-conscious travel, which are likely to shape the future of the tourism industry worldwide.
Global Impact on the Travel Industry
The Azores’ success story is expected to influence travel destinations around the globe, encouraging more locations to emphasize safety, authenticity, and sustainability. Travelers from key markets such as the United States, Spain, and Germany are signaling a shift toward less crowded, experience-rich regions that offer a connection to nature and local culture.
Key Implications for Global Travel:
- Rising interest in eco-tourism and island destinations
- Increased reliance on peer recommendations and digital platforms
- Growing importance of affordable, high-quality service experiences
- Boosted demand for infrastructure modernization and event programming
