Azores Awarded Gold Certification as a Sustainable Destination
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October

24
Azores Awarded Gold Certification as a Sustainable Destination

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired the opening session of the Azores Tourism Summit 2024 on Wednesday, an event running until Saturday at the Pavilhão do Mar in Ponta Delgada.


This meeting brings together about 250 professionals from the sector, including journalists, experts and institutional representatives, both nationally, and internationally, to discuss the best practices in sustainability and innovation in tourism, promoting sustainable development in the Azorean archipelago.


The leader of the Azorean Executive stressed the importance of this event for the sustainable growth of the Azores, and announced an important milestone for the region: the certification of the Azores as a “Sustainable Destination” with the 1st Gold Level by EarthCheck, one of the world's most prestigious certifiers of sustainable tourism practices.


"This certificate, which we are now celebrating, represents not only resilience, but also an attitude committed to the future," emphasised José Manuel Bolieiro.


This certification aims to assure travellers of a destination committed to sustainable practices and to provide an ecological and quality tourism experience, in line with the United Nations' strategic objectives for sustainable development.


In addition, the average income per available room rose significantly and the number of overnight stays increased by 8% in the same period.


"The results were not the cause of the public policies; it is the public policies that are the cause of these results," he said, emphasising the role of incentive policies in the sustainable growth of tourism in the Azores.


He also stressed the need for the Azores to be an example and to lead by example, promoting "decarbonisation and sustainability practices in all activities", with a focus on the tourism sector, in a mission of environmental responsibility and commitment to the planet.


"We have to be optimistic in taking advantage of our context to do well with the challenge we have of development, progress and affirmation of identity and excellence," stressed José Manuel Bolieiro.


"This event is an opportunity for an upgrade, an improvement, a meeting for reflection and encouragement," he emphasised.


The event programme includes an exhibition area with 32 stands and 10 institutional modules, where local companies and organisations present services and projects focused on the tourism sector, particularly those aimed at attracting more residents to inter-island tourism during the low season.


The initiative is part of the Strategic and Marketing Plan for Tourism in the Azores 2030 (PEMTA2030), which prioritises the distribution of tourist flows between the islands and the mitigation of seasonality, encouraging Azoreans to explore the beauties of their own region with access to special rates and exclusive experiences.


In addition to the President of the Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, the opening session was attended by the Secretary General of the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet, Satya S. Tripathi, the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructure, Berta Cabral, and the Mayor of Ponta Delgada, Pedro Nascimento Cabral.



© Turismo Açores 2023

Azores Awarded Gold Certification as a Sustainable Destination
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