“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

Marca Açores attends SAGAL with 28 companies from various islands

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

Ponta Delgada introduces card-accessible eco-islands for waste collection

Ponta Delgada is getting a new sustainable look with the installation of accessible eco-islands. The municipality has begun a process of transitioning the waste collection model, which aims to gradually remove containers from the streets and replace them with these innovative eco-islands. These structures not only contribute to a cleaner, more organized aesthetic for the city, but also promote environmental awareness by facilitating selective waste collection through a card-accessible system for residents. Photo: Foto: CMPD/ Açoriano Oriental Source: Açoriano Oriental

Azores renew Quality Coast award

The Azores continue to establish themselves as a benchmark destination by renewing their Quality Coast award. This recognition, awarded by the European Coastal and Marine Union, highlights the excellence of the Azorean islands in terms of the sustainable management and preservation of their coastal areas. With their unique natural beauty and ongoing commitment to environmental conservation, the Azores reinforce their position as a tourist destination of excellence, providing authentic and responsible experiences for visitors looking to explore their stunning landscapes and diverse marine ecosystems. Source: Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures

Navy organises coastal and underwater clean-up in solidarity

The Navy organised a coastal and underwater clean-up operation in the port of Vila Franca do Campo, in São Miguel. The initiative, carried out in partnership with various institutions, aimed to raise public awareness of the problem of marine litter. As a result of this action, the rubbish collected will be converted into a charitable donation that will revert to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Vila Franca do Campo, to be used in the “O Farol-E9G” social project, for children and young people aged 6 to 14 in Ponta Graça, as part of the ocean literacy educational programme. More information: Here Source: RTP

Azores are “Best Adventure Destination,” according to the World Travel Awards

The Azores were designated as the “Best Adventure Destination” in the world at the World Travel Awards ceremony held on December 1 in Dubai. This prestigious global acknowledgment highlights the excellence of the experiences provided by the Azores, which had previously secured the title of Best Adventure Destination in Europe consecutively in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Source: Ambitur

Azores receive ‘Silver Level IV’ in Sustainable Tourism Destination Certification

The Azores have solidified their position as a global leader in sustainable tourism by achieving the ‘Silver Level IV’ certification for “Sustainable Destination” from EarthCheck. This recognition is based on the rigorous sustainability criteria established by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), reinforcing the Azores as the only archipelagic destination in the world to attain such distinction. The ‘Silver Level IV’ certification signals a continued commitment to innovation and sustainable practices. The Azores remain dedicated to maintaining and surpassing these standards, working in collaboration with local and international stakeholders to ensure that tourism in the region is environmentally positive and beneficial for local communities. Source: Governo dos Açores

Local SDG Platform unites 80 Azorean organisations to promote sustainable development

On 17 January 2024, a landmark moment took place in the Azores, where 80 people representing the 9 islands and more than 50 different entities came together through the Local SDG Platform. This meeting was promoted by Sustainable Azores – Azores DMO, which aims to respond to one of the region’s biggest challenges: the collaborative identification, monitoring and follow-up of measures and good practices related to sustainable development. The initiative aims to create a “showcase” of sustainable projects and practices on all the islands, stimulated by the 19 municipalities and other local agents that are part of the Azores Green Teams. With the certification of the Azores as a sustainable destination and the Azores Sustainability Booklet, the Local SDG Platform becomes a central point for viewing progress and collaboration between the various entities. More information: Here Source: Sustainable Azores