The Azores are once again this year on the list of 100 most sustainable destinations, a ‘ranking’ drawn up by the international organization Green Destinations, which distinguishes good practices in the sector, the Regional Government announced today.
“It is recognition like this that makes us continue this path towards sustainability with more strength and enthusiasm,” said Marta Guerreiro.
“I can’t fail to highlight the pride and the satisfaction that we have once again received this recognition, which places the Azores at a high promotional level when it comes to sustainability issues, for which we stand up and are recognized,” stressed the head of the Tourism Department.
She pointed out that, since last year, the Azores have been certified as a Sustainable Tourism Destination, being the only archipelago in the world and the only region in the country with that distinction, considering that “this has been a work that has not always been visible in recent years, with very positive consequences, especially in the times that we live in today.”
“We have witnessed a reconfiguration of the tourism sector, but in this regard, the Azores have anticipated several actions and measures,” the Regional Secretary stressed.
“We should be proud to be leading this path of sustainable development in tourism,” said Marta Guerreiro, reinforcing, however, that “a certified destination of sustainability can never consider that its work is done and that’s why we are in the second year of the certification process, beginning now to achieve the Gold Award for Sustainable Destination by the destination certification organization EarthCheck.
“EarthCheck is a certifier governed by strict criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, with the seal of the United Nations, which proves the quality of its activities and our certification as a Sustainable Tourism Destination,” she stressed.
“The objective of the Azores is to maintain this strategic positioning and continue to affirm the Region as a world reference of effective, sustainable destination,” she guaranteed.
According to the representative, “it is important to become even more ambitious and continue to work to achieve the highest levels of this certification.”
With this TOP 100, the Green Destinations recognizes and presents sustainable tourism stories and their good practices as inspiring examples for other destinations, tour operators, and travelers.
Since 2012 the archipelago has also been awarded by Quality Coast, a Green Destinations program, and since 2014 has been a platinum destination, the highest level of this award, which distinguishes the best practices of sustainable destinations.
Green Destinations is a non-profit foundation for developing and recognizing sustainable destinations, leading a global partnership of representatives, specialized organizations, and academic institutions.
