In response to a request from the PS-Açores, the executive said that promotional activities carried out by Visit Azores in the first half of this year represented an investment of €1,293,739.47, with BTL 2025 being the biggest investment of the year so far (more than €860,000).

As for promotional activities supported by Visit Azores also in the first half of 2025, the Regional Government points out that they amount to €464,408.80, with marketing campaigns in the United States of America (USA) accounting for the largest investment (€185,000).

It should be noted that, in June this year, the Visit Azores Association revealed that it had a total amount of approximately €11.2 million in its 2025 Activity Plan and Budget to promote the Autonomous Region of the Azores as a tourist destination in the national and international market, with plans for this year to create a “major tourist destination campaign for the Azores that will have an international impact on several markets,” Luís Capdeville told AO at the time.

According to the Report and Accounts for 2024, which includes data on Visit Azores’ 2025 Activity Plan and Budget, the association plans to invest €3.8 million more than planned for 2024.

Also in response to the PS request, the Regional Government stated that it still owes Visit Azores €932,500 relating to the last installment of a payment plan agreed in 2012 between both parties, to settle a debt of the then ATA of more than €9 million.

“On June 15, 2012, the 10th Government of the Azores signed a program contract with the then ATA for the development of tourism promotion and entertainment, relating to the payment plan made to settle a debt of €9,178,178.00, which has only been paid since 2018, with €932,500.00 still outstanding, relating to what will be the last installment,” it said.

When asked about the Region’s debts to Visit Azores, the Government also states that, “with regard to the remaining contracts signed with Visit Azores, due to be processed in 2025, the Regional Tourism Directorate is awaiting the submission of reports and supporting documentation so that it can release the tranches of support in accordance with the contract.”

In Açoriano Oriental. A piece done by journalist Carolina Moreira. Paula Gouveia, director.

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.