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

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

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