Both companies decided to unite synergies and promote the agreement, gathering mutual competencies in hotel services and distribution, in order to draw the opportunity to strengthen the tourism supply of the Azores regarding competitive prices.

Sofia Almeida, ARTEH? Sales Manager, believes that the agreement offers a short break alternative in the country and ?creates the opportunity, for the same conditions as a weekend in the Algarve or the Alentejo, to discover the Azores? and the four ARTEH? Hotels in the region, one of which, Quinta das Merc's on the Terceira Island, who received the Protocol celebration.

Miguel Fonseca, Turangra General Manager, considers this challenge to serve as a form to promote the Azores and reaffirm the deep knowledge of the potential products for customers who fit ARTEH? philosophy.

About the Azores: - Historically, the Portuguese came on to the scene in 1427 with the discovery of Santa Maria and S'o Miguel Islands. Due to its strategic geographic position, the archipelago becomes an important waypoint on the main routes between Europe, the Orient and America during the 16th and 17th centuries. This period saw major naval battles around the Azores, while the Islands were set upon by pirates.
Subsequent centuries saw the development of the Islands, introduction of a new agriculture and the development of cattle breeding and fishing.
Having constituted an integral part of Portugal from the very outset, today the Azores are an autonomous region endowed with its own parliament and government.

The Azores are nine different Islands of Adventure, nine delightful surprises. You can see Dolphins and Whales frolicking in the sea or Volcanic Landscapes covered in green. Then there are the stunning, Lilac-coloured Hydrangeas that provide hedges for the meadows; the blue and green Lakes; the Craters of extinct Volcanoes and the Steam rising from the land. The Volcanic activity here means that you can even have your meal cooked under the ground!

Inland you can go Mountain Climbing and Walking through the Countryside. Or you can stick to the Coast and go Diving and Swimming. On these amazing Islands it feels as if time has stood still.

All of the Islands have something to offer. Take Pico Island, for instance. Classified as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO the Pico Island landscape reflects a unique response to viniculture on a small volcanic island and one that has been evolving since the arrival of the first settlers in the 15th century. The extraordinarily beautiful man-made landscape of small, stone walled fields is testimony to generations of small-scale farmers who, in a hostile environment, created a sustainable living and much-prized wine. And of course the S'o Miguel Island, to discover the Hot Waters and the Steam escaping from the vents of the Volcanoes.

Some of the sport activities you can do in Azores:

Whale and Dolphin Watching - From June to September Whales and Dolphins feed off the waters between the Islands of Faial, Pico and S'o Jorge where fish are in plentiful supply. Specially equipped boats from Pico and Faial allow these majestic sea mammals to be observed at closer range;
Scuba Diving ? Scuba Diving Centers with professional assistants operate in Caloura and in Vila Franca do Campo on the island of S'o Miguel. Nautical clubs to be found on all islands except Corvo and companies operating on Faial, Graciosa, S'o Jorge and Terceira are endowed with diving support facilities;
Sailboat Cruises - Yacht operators working out of the ports of Horta (Faial) and Ponta Delgada (S'o Miguel) provide visitors with the opportunity of going on a voyage of discovery around these viridescent islands set against the backdrop of the deep blue Atlantic Ocean;
Sportfishing - Blue and White Marlins, Tunas, Wahoos and some species of Shark make the Azores an internationally renowned sportfishing center where world and Atlantic records have been set. Specially equipped boats set out for the fishing season - June to September - from the Marinas of Horta (Faial) and Ponta Delgada (S'o Miguel) and from the Island of Santa Maria;
Hiking - All the islands of the Azores offer appealing walks along the coastline, scaling the hills, unearthing new scenery and horizons, itineraries are available from the Tourist Offices which indicate trails of varying degrees of difficulty.
Travel agencies often offer guided walks;
Horseback Hiking - Riding in Angra do Hero?smo (Terceira), Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande (S'o Miguel) is an invigorating way of taking a closer look at the beautiful scenery;
Mountaineering - The 2.341 meter high volcano on Pico lays down the gauntlet to those who like nothing better than to scale mountains and provides the setting for a stunning sunrise. The other islands are also endowed with mountainous country, the ideal terrain for keeping those muscles toned;
Speleology - Those interested in the study of cave formations should take a trip to Algar do Carv'o on the Island of Terceira. A journey through miles of caverns and tunnels provides the opportunity to discover magnificent sights of stalagmites, stalactites, and columns and cornices of volcanic origin;
Tennis - In addition to those tennis courts incorporated in hotel complexes, tennis clubs for tourists can be found in Angra de Hero?smo (Terceira), Horta (Faial) and Ponta Delgada (S'o Miguel);
Golf - The mild climate all the year round, the rolling landscape, the green grass and the abundance of flowers are Mother Nature's gifts and make the Azores the ideal location for a spot of golf. Try your luck on the two 18-hole courses on the Island of S'o Miguel or on a third located on Terceira, also an 18-hole course.

About Quinta das Merc's: - Quinta das Merc's where the Protocol was signed is situated in the Terceira Island nestled in the Brazil Mountain Natural Reserve, between the Ocean, Gardens and a dense area of Atlantic Forest.

Built in the 18th century, in keeping with typical manor architecture, the farm's large manor house is today, after undergoing an ambitious renewal and refurbishment project, a charming hotel.

In its interior, the common areas and the bedrooms are wide and comfortable, decorated in a markedly classical style. Some of the bedrooms offer a small private garden and others a tranquil sea view.

The external leisure areas, the result of carefully designed landscape architecture, are harmoniously implanted into the Quinta's surrounding gardens whilst maintaining the original structure of the land.

Several sports are at your disposal. Enjoy cycling, play tennis matches or train your putting before heading out to the island's Golf Course. The privileged connection to the sea also allows the possibility of canoeing and fishing, or even to venture into diving and spearfishing in the midst of the Atlantic Ocean.

Whilst staying at Quinta das Merc's be sure to visit Angra do Hero?smo, a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

About Convento de S'o Francisco: - In the South of the S'o Miguel Island, is the Convento de S'o Francisco, framed by the invigorating landscape of the Vila Franca do Campo Isle natural reserve and the sea on the horizon.

The 16th century Convent was renovated and refurbished with sophistication and transformed into an elegant and beautifully austere hotel. The floor covered in exotic wood, the volcanic rock in the restrooms and the wrought iron pieces and period furniture are features that particularly stand out.

A short distance from the convent, the marina and small harbor of Vila Franca do Campo, are the ideal setting off point for whale watching trips, for fishing, swimming and diving in the sea or in the isle's natural pool.

About Hotel do Col?gio: - Located in the centre of Ponta Delgada, S'o Miguel Island, emerged from the adaptation of a 19th century urban edifice. In its history this building was a respected school and most recently served as the Musical Academy of the Regional Conservatory.

With its history and its cultural and artistic tradition intact, this hotel has been divided into two wings: the Conservatory and the School, each in keeping with its past.

Properly settled into S'o Miguel Island, be sure to take advantage of all it has to offer, from whale watching trips and the famous cuisine to the luxuriant landscape.

About Pousada Forte de S'o Sebasti'o: - The Historic Design Pousada, opened on April 7th, 2006, is situated in Angra do Hero?smo - the principal urban city of Terceira Island considered a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

This fortress, known by the name of Castelinho (little castle), was constructed with the demand of El-Rei D. Sebasti'o, King of Portugal, whose name was given to the castle, in a supercilious place, the Pipas Port.

The construction of the Castle started in 1555, having been given authority to the first Alcayde Manuel de Corte Real in 1575.

About Arteh?, Best Independent Hotel Chain ? Publituris Awards 2004: - ARTEH? ? Hotels and Resorts is a soft brand independent Hotel Chain with a Luxury Collection of Charming & Exclusive Boutique Hotels and Resorts, with Golf and Spa. Focusing on Marketing, Promotion and eDistribution, ARTEH? has available for its Guests Online Reservations, Promotions, Packages and Press Releases.

An ARTEH? Hotel distinguishes itself by the Richness of its Heritage, the Beauty of its Setting, the Splendour of its Architecture, the Design of its Decor, the Comfort of its Rooms and the Care for its Guests.