The Azores Socialist Party Parliamentary Group began its Parliamentary Days on Terceira Island with visits to the public company Portos dos Açores and The Book Hotel, emphasizing the importance of monitoring the challenges facing Terceira’s economy on the ground, particularly in infrastructure and tourism.

Deputy Marco Martins stressed that “investment in the Praia da Vitória Multipurpose Pier is fundamental for the economic development of the island, the central group, and the region,” noting, however, that “this project has been dragging on for too long and it is urgent to begin construction to strengthen Terceira’s competitiveness.”

“We are talking about an essential investment, long announced, that needs to get off the ground. The Coalition Government must ensure implementation, transparency, and real commitment to Terceira, instead of living on successive promises,” said the socialist parliamentarian.

The deputy also emphasized the need for an integrated vision for the island’s infrastructure. “Terceira has two strategic gateways—the port and the airport—and investment is needed in both.”

“Under Sustainable 2030, around €100 million is earmarked, but the Regional Government has yet to present a clear plan to transform these resources into concrete development,” Marco Martins stressed.

In the tourism sector, Deputy José Miguel Toste stressed that “the private investments that have emerged on the island, such as The Book Hotel, demonstrate the confidence of Terceira’s entrepreneurs, but they have not been accompanied by the necessary influx of tourists.”

“While the Azores are growing, tourism in Terceira has been experiencing worrying declines, even in the high season months. This negative trend is a direct reflection of the lack of planning and the absence of a clear strategy for the sector,“ said José Miguel Toste.

The parliamentarian recalled that, according to official data, Terceira recorded three consecutive months of decline in tourist overnight stays and a growth in revenue well below the regional average, which ”clearly shows the urgency of concrete and structured measures.”

“The PS/Azores will continue to advocate public policies that guarantee stability in air connections, reinforce the promotion of the island, and enhance the heritage and cultural identity of Terceira,” he concluded, quoted in a press release.

In Correio dos Açores — Natalino Viveiros, director.

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