Azores Situation Report Wednesday 29th January 2025
Government of the Azores against the application of any tourist tax in the region
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructure of the Government, Berta Cabral, said she disagreed with the application of “any tourist tax” in the region, despite five of the six municipalities of São Miguel applying municipal taxes since January 1st.
“I am against any tourist tax. We are a new tourist destination, which is consolidating, and we can never be too careful when we want to introduce factors that disrupt our demand, and the tourist tax is, in fact, a disruption, whether we like it or not”, said the minister, when interviewed by the Economy Committee of the Azorean parliament, which met in Ponta Delgada.
Berta Cabral was referring to a proposal by the PAN’s sole deputy, Pedro Neves, who intends to create a regional tourist tax, worth three euros per day, for each tourist who visits any of the nine islands in the archipelago, although a municipal tourist tax has already been in force since the beginning of this year in most municipalities on the largest island in the Azores.
“We could end up with a doubling of fees and this doubling could reach 12 euros per person”, warned the head of the Regional Government’s Tourism portfolio, adding that this situation “is not justified”, nor is it “reasonable”, and could even drive some tourists away from the region.
Around 50 vehicles vandalized overnight in Água de Pau
Around 50 vehicles were vandalized, with their tires punctured, during the early hours of Sunday in several streets and parking lots in the town of Água de Pau, with several people already filing a complaint with the Public Security Police (PSP)
The president of the Água de Pau Parish Council, Vanessa Silva, explained that the night was “troubled”, with several cars being “vandalized”, in what she considered a “regrettable” situation.
Vanessa Silva also stated that the Police have already been to Água de Pau and people are already formalizing complaints.
The mayor of Lagoa, Frederico Sousa, explained that there is only evidence of damage to vehicles, and that the reasons for the acts of vandalism that took place in Água de Pau are unknown. Although he stated that the investigation must be completed, the mayor of Lagoa admitted that everything indicates that it was an isolated act.
According to RTP-Açores, after collecting testimonies from the population, the PSP has already identified the suspect responsible for this crime, who can only be held responsible for the damages caused following formal complaints.
Air Force to transport essential goods to Flores
The Portuguese Air Force will transport essential goods to the island of Flores tomorrow, Friday, due to the bad weather that continues to affect supplies by sea, announced the Government of the Azores
The Government of the Azores has taken several steps to ensure alternative solutions for supplying the island of Flores, including activating the resources of the Portuguese Air Force to transport essential goods by air, which will be carried out if the conditions for the operation are met.
Strong sea agitation has been affecting regular supplies to the islands of Flores and Corvo.
Navy coordinates rescue off the coast of the Azores
The Navy, through the Ponta Delgada Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC Delgada) coordinated, since 6:47 am on Sunday, the rescue of two crew members of the rowing vessel “ZOLEO”, flying the Hungarian flag.