Whale-watching tourism and the wine sector run up against a shortage of housing for their workers

Two booming sectors that depend on seasonal labour

Whale-watching tourism and the wine sector are running into the same accommodation problem.

Holiday lets compete with long-term rentals

Much of the housing stock is given over first and foremost to visitors.

Makeshift solutions in the face of scarce supply

Some companies are fitting out rooms on their own premises or renting entire homes for their staff.

A problem that could hold back economic growth itself

The housing shortage could put a brake on the growth of these two key sectors of the island's economy.

Two sectors that underpin the island's economy

Whale-watching tourism, based in towns such as Lajes do Pico and Madalena, and winemaking in the distinctive volcanic stone currais of the Cultura da Vinha are two of the island's best-known economic pillars. Both are highly seasonal and both need temporary staff during the busiest months of the year.

Competing for a limited housing stock

Both sectors make the same point: much of the housing available in the coastal towns goes first to seasonal holiday lets, which are far more profitable in the short term than a tenancy aimed at permanent seasonal workers. That competition leaves local businesses with very little room to offer stable accommodation to their seasonal staff.

Solutions tailored to each business

Some wine producers and whale-watching operators have chosen to convert rooms on their own premises or to rent entire homes for their staff during the peak season, a solution that pushes up their running costs but which they regard as essential to keeping the business going. Smaller operators admit they simply cannot compete for this kind of accommodation and find their capacity to grow held back as a result.

A risk to the island's economic growth

Representatives of both sectors have taken their concerns to the regional authorities, warning that the lack of housing for temporary workers could become a structural brake on the growth of nature tourism and winemaking in Pico. They are calling for any future housing policy on the island to address specifically the seasonal accommodation needs of these productive sectors.