Within the scope of the Satisfaction Survey of Tourists Visiting the Azores - High Season 2024, carried out by the Sustainable Tourism Observatory of the Azores, when asked about the reasons for the trip, tourists mention recommendations from family and friends (29.74%), followed by the Internet (14.48%), previous visit experience (8.31%) and social networks (7.86%).

The research, cited in a press release from the Government of the Azores, also points out other reasons such as the Azores being a safe destination (6.10%), a destination that is still little known (5.45%), an island destination (4.68%) and a destination of a sustainable nature (4.61%).

In addition, factors such as recommendation from a tour agent/operator (4.61%), a nearby destination (3.64%), price of the destination (3.51%), brochures, travel guides and promotional material (1.49%), media advertising (1.04%) and fairs and promotional events (0.91%).

According to the survey, 35% of tourists' spending and consumption goes towards transport and accommodation, with values ​​above €1,000, and 57.7%, between €200 and €499, towards food.

On the other hand, 73.2% of those interviewed said they were "satisfied or very satisfied" with the price and punctuality of air transport.

In accommodation, 81.6% of respondents said they were “satisfied or very satisfied with the dimensions presented,” and, in catering, 73.4% of respondents were “satisfied or very satisfied” with the service.

Improvements

Tourists point out aspects that need to be improved, including public transport, the range of events, restaurants and tourist signage in road infrastructure and airport infrastructure.

The research also reveals that 73.3% of visitors showed interest in returning to the destination.

The Azores Sustainable Tourism Observatory also says that, in 2024, “for the first time in history, more than 4.2 million overnight stays were recorded (+27.6% compared to 2022), more than 187 million euros in revenue from the hotel industry (+46.0% compared to 2022) and 18 million euros in Rural Tourism, exceeding 200 million euros and consolidating a growing and increasingly competitive reputation at an international level”.

The sector currently represents around 20% of Gross Added Value, 17% of GDP and 17% of regional employment, according to the document.

A total of 1,550 surveys were considered valid, of which 273 (17.73% of the sample) were resident in Portugal and 1,267 (82.27% of the sample) were resident abroad.