José Manuel Bolieiro announces Azores' Gold Certification as a Sustainable Destination - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired the opening session of the Azores Tourism Summit 2024 on Wednesday, an event running until Saturday at the Pavilhão do Mar in Ponta Delgada.

This meeting brings together about 250 professionals from the sector, including journalists, experts and institutional representatives, both nationally and internationally, to discuss the best practices in sustainability and innovation in tourism, promoting sustainable development in the Azorean archipelago.

The head of the Azorean Government noted the importance of this event for the sustainable growth of the Azores. He also announced an important milestone for the Region: the certification of the Azores as a "Sustainable Destination" with the 1st Gold Level by EarthCheck, one of the world's most prestigious certifying organisations for sustainable tourism practices.

"This certification, which we are now celebrating, represents not only resilience but also an attitude of commitment towards the future," emphasised José Manuel Bolieiro.

This certification aims to assure travellers that the Azores are a destination committed to sustainable practices and an ecological and quality tourism experience, aligned with the United Nations' strategic goals for sustainable development.

José Manuel Bolieiro took the opportunity to present data on tourism growth in the Azores. Between September 2019 and 2024, there was a 37% increase in the number of passengers disembarking and a 23% increase in flight operations, with the number of airlines operating in the archipelago growing from five to 14.

In addition, the average revenue per room available rose significantly and the number of overnight stays increased by 8% over the same period.

"The results were not the cause of public policies; public policies are the cause of these results," he said, pointing out the role of incentive policies in sustainable tourism growth in the Azores.

He also stressed the need for the Azores to be an example and to lead by example, promoting "decarbonisation and sustainability practices in all activities," with a focus on the tourism sector, in a mission of environmental responsibility and commitment to the planet.

"We have to be optimistic in making the most of our context to overcome the challenges of development, progress and affirmation of our identity and excellence," stressed José Manuel Bolieiro.

"This event is an opportunity for an upgrade, an improvement and a meeting for reflection and encouragement," he emphasised.

The event programme includes an exhibition area with 32 stands and 10 institutional modules, where local companies and organisations present services and projects focused on the tourism sector, particularly those aimed at attracting more residents to inter-island tourism during the low season.

The initiative is part of the Strategic and Marketing Plan for Tourism in the Azores 2030 (PEMTA2030). It prioritises the distribution of tourist flows between the islands and the mitigation of seasonality, encouraging Azoreans to explore the beauty of their Region with special fares and exclusive experiences.

In addition to the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, the opening session was attended by the Secretary-General of the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet, Satya S. Tripathi, the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, and the Mayor of Ponta Delgada, Pedro Nascimento Cabral.