Porto Santo’s future lies in its identity, history and culture, rather than an indiscriminate increase in visitor numbers, according to Mayor Nuno Batista.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Atlantic Tourism Days in Velas, on the Azorean island of São Jorge, Batista said the aim was to offer visitors a distinctive experience that creates a lasting connection with the island.
“We do not want mass tourism. We want quality tourism,” he stressed.
The mayor highlighted Porto Santo’s history, culture, beach, climate and quality of the sea as assets that distinguish it from competing destinations.
He argued that visitors increasingly seek unique experiences and that these can encourage them to return. Those who fall in love with an island, he suggested, develop an emotional attachment that is difficult to break.
His comments follow Miguel Albuquerque’s call for greater investment in tourism on the 28th of September. Speaking at the Tourism Merit Medal ceremony at the Convent of Santa Clara, the President of the Regional Government urged the sector to improve its services and tourism offering to generate higher income.
Albuquerque also argued that improving the destination could be compatible with the interests of residents. Batista placed particular emphasis on avoiding mass tourism and preserving Porto Santo’s identity. Both statements highlighted the importance of quality.
For Batista, the Atlantic Tourism Days also provided an opportunity to exchange ideas with other island destinations facing similar challenges, including transport links and seasonality.
The event concluded on the 4th of October, with the mayor stressing that tourism should serve local communities and help improve residents’ quality of life.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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