Lagoa celebrates International Plastic Bag Free Day
Lagoa Municipal Council, through CEFAL – Centro de Educação e Formação Ambiental de Lagoa, will be celebrating the International Day Without Plastic Bags for the sixth consecutive year on 3 July. The initiative includes the distribution of cloth bags to bathers at the Municipal Swimming Pool Complex and the Caloura Bathing Area, encouraging a reduction in the use of plastic bags and promoting sustainable alternatives. The cloth bags will have the message: “Thousands of marine animals die every year from suffocation and ingestion of plastic bags”, warning of the threat to marine life. This activity is part of the Blue Flag programmed, which this year highlights the theme “The Sea Needs Leaders!”, promoting the defense of marine ecosystems. Read more: HERE
Azores awarded “Revelation Destination” by AHRESP
The Azores were honored with the “Revelation Destination – Azores Routes” award by AHRESP (Hotel, Restaurant and Similar Association of Portugal), highlighting the ongoing work of the Regional Government in promoting the tourism sector. The Azores Routes – Cultural and Landscape Itineraries project, which includes the Whaling Route, the Volcanoes Route, the Wine Route and the Cheese Route, was created to diversify the tourist offer and highlight the cultural richness of the archipelago’s nine islands. These distinctions that the Azores have received validate the Regional Government’s efforts to position the Azores as a tourist destination of excellence, accessible all year round and on all the islands. Read more: HERE Source: Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures
Space dedicated to local products with the ‘Biosfera Açores’ brand inaugurated on the island of Graciosa
A space dedicated to local products under the ‘Biosfera Açores’ brand has opened on the island of Graciosa, promoting sustainability and valuing the natural wealth of the Azores. The space offers a variety of certified products, all produced sustainably. This project is fundamental for the local economy and for preserving the Azorean identity. The ‘Biosfera Açores’ brand symbolizes the commitment to sustainability and the quality of the region’s products. More information: Aqui
SATA provides Braille flyers and invests in Portuguese Sign Language training
SATA is implementing accessibility measures by making flyers available in Braille and investing in training in Portuguese Sign Language. These initiatives reflect the airline’s commitment to promoting inclusion and ensuring that all passengers have an accessible and comfortable travelling experience. Source: Açores 9
EDA has European eel recovery project
EDA is currently involved in a European eel recovery project at the four mini-hydroelectric power stations installed in Ribeira Quente, in São Miguel, Azores. This project aims to restore and preserve the population of this endangered species in the region’s aquatic ecosystems. With initiatives focussed on improving water quality and creating suitable habitats, EDA intends to continue promoting the conservation of this important natural resource, contributing to the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. Source: Açores 9
Bensaude Hotels Collection saves water for more than 294,000 showers
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
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
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
