Despite being named as a “travel hotspot” in every poll prediction since 1956, the tiny Azores are still waiting to welcome the massive influx of tourists that such reports traditionally herald.
The anonymous volcanic archipelago – apparently part of Portugal – have made the list of ‘places to watch’ in numerous expert and industry polls for over 50 years, sparking headlines warning people to visit before the destination became completely overrun, memorably “Don’t be Azores loser!” and “Azores, Azores, my kingdom for Azores!”
Despite widespread press coverage and confident promotional campaigns, the local tourist board reports that business has been steady to middling for half a century. Meanwhile, the islands stand permanently poised, and are thought to be taking in their stride rumours that they will be named “Most Amazing Undiscovered Destination Ever, 2012″ by a major industry body.
