Recycling rate to increase significantly in the Azores in 2023

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The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action publicly presented the Regional Waste Information System report for 2023. It highlights the Region’s positive evolution in terms of waste prevention and management, the result of legislation, policies and investments by the Regional Government, as well as collaborative efforts between local councils, parish councils and waste operators, and the growing environmental awareness of Azorean society. The report reveals a growth of around 17% in recycling between 2021 and 2023, with the Preparedness for Reuse and Recycling Rate standing at 36.4% in 2023. Although still far from the 55% target for 2025, there has been a decrease in waste production and an increase in material and energy recovery. These results, which do not yet include the new treatment centres in São Miguel, reflect positive progress in waste management and a trend towards sustainable growth. Read more: HERE

Azores awarded “Best National Tourism Region” by Publituris

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The Azores were honored as the “Best National Tourism Region” at the Publituris awards, reaffirming their prominent position on the Portuguese tourism scene. The Publituris Portugal Travel Awards 2024 took place in the city of Porto, in the presence of more than 400 people, and the prize awarded to the Azores was received by the Regional Director for Tourism, Rosa Costa. Read more: HERE Source: Governo Regional dos Açores

EDA has European eel recovery project

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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

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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

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

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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

European Best Destinations appoint the Azores as a safe destinations for 2021

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In 2021, the trust level in the Azores remains, and European Best Destinations has already considered it as one of the safest vacation destinations. When, in 2020, the travel and life habits of all of us changed dramatically, the Azores remained as a possibility for a safe, natural and sustainable experience. To reinforce the confidence of the Azorean islands when choosing where to spend their vacation in 2021, some criteria are considered: preventive measures, recommendations by the authorities when tourists arrive at hotels, shops and restaurants and distinction of the website for cultural and tourist promotion. At the origin of the certification is the commitment taken into account by all tourism entities in complying with the prevention norms, combined with a natural setting difficult to find elsewhere, and responsible and conscious hospitality. “The presentation of a screening test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, using the RT-PCR methodology, with a negative result on arrival, the many outdoor activities, contact with nature and always sustainable tourism make the Azores a destination mandatory nowadays, when those who come don’t have to worry, but relax and enjoy the experience ”, explains Luís Capdeville Botelho, CEO of the Azores Tourism Association, the certification states that all the efforts and work of the last few months of implementing measures that maintain confidence in the destination, and showing that there is a place in the world where it is possible to travel without apprehensions was worth it. The sustainable and natural component is also a decisive factor in this distinction. Due to all the conditions they offer to be able to enjoy in freedom and with plenty of space for everyone, the nine islands assert themselves as the perfect destination for moments of relaxation. From walks in full harmony with nature to surfing, diving and whale watching, through canyoning, it is always possible to collect adventures in a comfortable and relaxed way. In 2021, the Azores are still open to receive those who seek to take a deep breath and recharge their energy. Source: Ambitur

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National Tourism Award: The Certification of the Azores wins in the category of Sustainable Tourism

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The Azores won the first place at the National Tourism Award, promoted by BPI and Expresso, in the Sustainable Tourism category, with the Certification as a Sustainable Tourist Destination by EarthCheck. This project has been contributing to the strategic positioning of the tourist-cultural destination, aligning it with a growing international adoption by consumers, already clearly visible in the new generations and their capacity to influence others. This project makes tourism an activity that promotes the best living conditions for the local populations, contributing to the economic development of the Region, at the same time that the environmental balance occurs. It is also an innovative project based on a broad collaborative action, involving an increasing range of stakeholders from different sectors, with the common goal of achieving the true sustainability of the destination. The National Tourism Award is an initiative of Expresso, in partnership with BPI, and aims to reward companies, public projects and personalities for their contribution to the tourism sector.

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The Certification of the Azores as a Sustainable Destination at the Top 5 of the National Tourism Award 2020

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The Regional Secretariat for Energy, Environment and Tourism has moved to the Top 5 of the National Tourism Award 2020, of Banco BPI, in the category of Sustainable Tourism, as the submission of the Azores’s Certification project as a Sustainable Tourist Destination. To encourage and recognize the best tourism projects in the face of the consequences of the pandemic and the future of the sector, Expresso and BPI launched the second edition of the National Tourism Award 2020. A project created with the aim of promoting, encouraging and distinguishing the best entities, practices and projects in the tourism sector. An initiative that has the high sponsorship of the Ministry of Economy and Digital Transition, with the institutional support of Turismo de Portugal, IP and with the technical support of Deloitte Corporate Finance, S.A, as a Knowledge Partner. In this second edition of the National Tourism Award, it is intended to reward Portuguese businesses / projects that stand out as success stories, framed in the categories of Network Tourism, Authentic Tourism, Trust Tourism, Smart Tourism and Sustainable Tourism.

Azores are once again part of the TOP 100 of Sustainable Destinations

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The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism revealed today that the Azores are once again included in the TOP 100 list of Sustainable Destinations by Green Destinations. “It is recognitions like this that make us continue this path towards sustainability with more strength and more enthusiasm,” said Marta Guerreiro. “I cannot fail to show pride and satisfaction for receiving, once again, this acknowledgment, which places the Azores at a high promotional level regarding to sustainability issues, which we strive for and are recognized for”, stressed the titleholder of the Tourism wallet. The official emphasized that, since last year, the Azores have been certified as a Sustainable Tourist Destination, being the only archipelago in the world and the only region in the country with this distinction, considering that “this was a work, not always visible, of the last years , with very positive consequences, especially in the times we are currently experiencing”. “We have seen a reconfiguration of the tourism sector, but in this matter, the Azores anticipated a set of actions and measures”, said the Regional Secretary. “We must be proud to be leading this path of sustainable development in tourism”, said Marta Guerreiro, reinforcing, however, that “a destination with sustainability certification can never consider that its work is finished and that is why we are in the second year of the certification process, starting now to win the Gold Award for Sustainable Destination by EarthCheck, the certifying destinations entity”. “EarthCheck is governed by strict criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, that is, with the United Nations seal, which attests to the quality of its action and our certification as a Sustainable Tourist Destination”, she emphasized. “The aim of the Azores is to maintain this strategic positioning and to continue to affirm the Region as a world reference of destination, effectively, sustainable”, she guaranteed. According to the governor, “it is important to be more and more ambitious and continue to work to reach the highest levels of this certification”. With this TOP 100, Green Destinations recognizes and presents stories of sustainable tourism and its good practices as inspiring examples for other Destinations, for tour operators and for travelers. The TOP 100 list of sustainable destinations can be accessed at: https://greendestinations.org/sustainabletop100/ In 2020, Green Destinations had already distinguished the Azores in the ‘Best of Nature’ category, in 2019 in the ‘Best of Europe’ category, as one of the regions that contributed to Portugal being awarded, and in 2018, in the category ‘Best of the Atlantic’. Since 2012, the archipelago has also been awarded by the Quality Coast, a Green Destinations program, and since 2014 it has been a platinum destination, the highest level of this award, which distinguishes the best practices from sustainable destinations. Green Destinations is a non-profit foundation for the development and recognition of sustainable destinations, leading a global partnership of representatives, specialized organizations and academic institutions.