The Portuguese islands of the Azores are the latest addition to the Kuoni Europe collection.

It is the first time the luxury operator has featured the Azores and the move is part of a strategy to diversify and expand the company’s premium short-haul offering.

The programme will be supported by training and communications to the company’s own sales team, partner stores and travel agents.

Tracy Martin, Kuoni’s short-haul programme manager, said: “Located in the mid-Atlantic, the Azores islands offer volcanic landscapes, wild coastlines, amazing marine life and a unique culture, as well as some incredible food – the perfect special ingredient to inspire customers and ideal when combined with a visit to the mainland cities of Lisbon and Porto.

“The islands are also raising the bar on sustainability by continuing to develop environmentally-friendly principles through tourism in areas such as accommodation options, restaurants, activities and transportation, which fits with our strategy to include more sustainable certified hotels, resorts and destinations within our collection.”

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BA adds Azores flights next summer [Sept 2021]