Bensaude Hotels Collection saves water for more than 294,000 showers

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Bensaude Hotels Collection has revealed that it has managed to save water enough for more than 294,000 showers, as well as gas enough to cook 6,046 meals and diesel enough to travel around Portugal from north to south 19 times through conservation initiatives. These savings reflect the company’s ongoing efforts to adopt sustainable practices to reduce its environmental impact. These are just some of the results achieved in 2023, which contributed to the renewal of the international Travelife Gold certification for the group’s eight hotels until 2025. Source: Açores 9

Government celebrates award from Viajes National Geographic magazine

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The Government of the Azores was delighted to receive the distinction awarded by Viajes National Geographic magazine, which recognized the region as the Best European Destination. This achievement reflects not only the natural and cultural beauty of the Azores, but also the ongoing commitment to offering quality tourist experiences. The air connections and the diversity of infrastructure available stand out as key factors in the region’s success as a tourist destination of excellence. This recognition is the result of a joint effort in which the Government of the Azores, Visit Azores and the sector’s businesspeople play a fundamental part. Over the years, they have worked together to promote the region internationally, improve accessibility and further boost tourism in the Azores. Source: Açores 9

“New Elderly” programme with another 40 home careers

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The “New Elderly” Programme has announced the recruitment of 40 more home careers to its team, in response to the growing needs of the elderly population. This project, which aims to offer quality care and personalized assistance to the elderly who remain at home, plays an important role in promoting the well-being and safety of the elderly in the region. It’s worth noting that this pilot project is funded through the Recovery and Resilience Plan, demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that directly benefit the elderly and their families. Photo: Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social | Source: Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social

Picos de Aventura preparing fifth edition of BioTalks

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Picos de Aventura, a tourist entertainment company based in Ponta Delgada, is preparing the fifth edition of the BioTalks event, dedicated entirely to science, the Azores and their biodiversity. This year’s event is new: it will be split into two days. The first day will be dedicated to a Scientific Illustration Workshop, while the second day will be reserved for a series of talks. The event will take place on 4 and 5 April at the Picos de Aventura headquarters in the Pêro de Teive Marina. The Biotalks consist of talks and presentations on biodiversity and science in the Azores, with the participation of various personalities and experts. Topics such as sustainability, conservation, marine biodiversity and others will be covered. Photo: Picos de Aventura | Source: Açores 9

Marca Açores attends SAGAL with 28 companies from various islands

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The Azores Brand will be present at SAGAL 2024 – the Flavours of Portugal Export Fair, with the participation of 28 companies from various islands and different food production sectors. This is the second year running that the Azores have been present at this event, held at the Lisbon International Fair (FIL), an initiative dedicated exclusively to exporting and doing business, with more than 350 exhibitors and around 1,100 buyers from more than 90 countries. In a universe of around 300 companies, there are more than 6,200 products with the Azores Brand label, 95% of which are food products. This demonstrates a continuous and reinforced investment in this important sector, contributing to greater visibility for Azorean products. Photo: Governo dos Açores | Source: Governo dos Açores

António Ventura highlights growth of qualified PDO and PGI products in the Azores

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António Ventura, Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, emphasizes the notable growth of PDO and PGI community qualifications in the Azores, with the positive impact on the local economy by boosting employment and preserving the environment. António Ventura emphasizes the crucial importance of certifications in rural regions such as the Azores, influencing development, land-use planning and tourism policies. Currently, the Azores offer a variety of PDO and PGI products, such as: Azorean Pineapple, Azorean Honey, São Jorge Cheese, Pico Cheese, São Miguel Passion Fruit, Ramo Grande Meat and Azorean Butter. In turn, the Azores Meat, Santa Maria Cantaloupe and Graciosa Garlic have been registered as PGI products. Photo: Governo dos Açores | Source: Governo dos Açores

“Horta Sustainable Tourism” – Horta Town Council promotes water conservation initiative among tourist businesses by supplying flow regulators

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Horta Town Hall has launched the ‘Horta Sustainable Tourism’ campaign, handing out flow regulators to companies in the tourist accommodation sector. This measure, part of the 2nd Municipal Sustainable Development Week, is the result of an application to the PRORURAL+ program (Media 7.6.1), aimed at raising awareness and reducing water consumption in the tourism sector. By installing these devices in hotels and local accommodation, the municipality aims to promote environmental sustainability and the rational use of water resources, thus contributing to more responsible and conscious tourism. Source: Tribuna das Ilhas online

North and Azores to be supported by European mechanism to attract talent

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Ten European regions have been chosen by the European Commission to receive support from a mechanism designed to mitigate the effects of demographic change, such as the flight of young and qualified people. Among them are the north of Portugal and the Azores. Announced by the European Commission, the second pillar of the Talent Enhancement Facility will benefit 10 regions in eight countries, including the North of Portugal and the Azores. This support aims to help regions at risk of falling into a “talent development trap”, combating youth dropout, the low rate of university and higher education graduates, and difficulties in retaining talent. The chosen regions will receive detailed analyses, policy recommendations and tailored action plans, with the support of expert advice from the OECD, as part of this mechanism. More information: HERE

Azorean government to invest more than 1.5 million euros in social passes in 2023

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In 2023, the Government of the Azores invested more than 1.5 million euros in implementing and expanding the free social pass in the region. This measure covered various sectors of the population, providing more accessible and easier access to public transport, thus contributing to more sustainable and inclusive mobility. This investment represents a significant commitment by the Regional Government of the Azores to meet the challenges of accessibility and social cohesion. With the expansion of the social pass, it is hoped not only to reduce road traffic and carbon emissions, but also to improve the quality of life of Azoreans, especially those who depend on public transport for their daily journeys. More information: HERE