"We know that the Azores have an enormous tourist potential"

What motivated the Vila Galé group to invest in the Azores?For some time now, we have wanted to bring the Vila Galé brand to the Azores, since it was one of the few regions in Portugal where we were not yet present. Therefore, after a contact from Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Ponta Delgada, this good opportunity came up, given the location and type of property. Besides allowing us to extend our presence to the Azores, this project gives us the chance to put into practice one of our programs, which is the recovery and rehabilitation of historic buildings, giving them new uses that generate more jobs and enhance the history of the place.When does the construction work start in the old building of the Ponta Delgada hospital? And when will it be finished?The workmanships of the Village Collection Galley Are Miguel already had started and must be concluded in June of 2023.What is the estimated investment for construction and the acquisition of equipment and furniture? Will there be a contribution from Community funds?The total investment in this project will be around 12 million Euros. Vila Galé has applied for Community funds and is waiting for the decision of the entities involved.How was the concession of the part of the building to be used for the hotel agreed with Santa Casa?It will be a concession for 40 years, in partnership with Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Ponta Delgada.How does the project maintain the characteristics of the building and harmonize them with the needs of a hotel unit?Vila Galé has a lot of experience in the rehabilitation and conversion of historical heritage – as are the cases of Vila Galé Collection Palácio dos Arcos, a former 15th century palace; Vila Galé Collection Braga, in the building of the former hospital of São Marcos; Vila Galé Collection Elvas, in the former convent of São Paulo. One of our major concerns in these projects is to ensure the characteristics and history of the building are honored, because that is precisely what makes it unique. Therefore, the entire hotel unit project is developed in meticulous articulation with the spaces, taking into account the different levels of protection that the properties are subject to and that result from a common understanding between the developer and the concessionaire. The whole basis of the intervention is guided by the safeguarding of the building, allied to the goal of a better enjoyment by the public. What is the hotel's theme and what will be its target audience? What services and how many rooms/beds will you provide? Vila Galé Collection São Miguel will be a boutique hotel, which will result from the renovation of part of the building of the former convent and Hospital of São Francisco, in partnership with Santa Casa da Misericórdia. It will comprise 93 rooms, restaurants, bar, swimming pools and Satsanga Spa & Wellness. The theme will naturally be related to the Azores.How many jobs will you create?Fourty-five jobs will be created.What does the opening of this hotel unit mean for the group? Are you considering new investments?This hotel comes to fulfill a wish that we have had for a long time, since we know that the Azores have an enormous tourist potential and it was important for the Vila Galé brand to be in the archipelago. We started with São Miguel, but we are always looking at new investments in the country, as well as internationally.When do you expect to open doors?Vila Galé Collection São Miguel is scheduled to open in June 2023.What expectations do you have for tourism sector in the Azores?This is a destination with a lot of potential and opportunities, considering the diversity of the islands and their products: sun and sea, nature tourism and ecotourism, gastronomy, cultural tourism It is important to stimulate air connections and work to reduce some of the seasonality, while always keeping sustainability in mind, since it is essential to preserve the best of the Azores and what makes this destination so special.