Regional Government and Turismo de Portugal step up cooperation to promote sustainability and regional tourism sector - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas

The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility, and Infrastructures, and Turismo de Portugal (the national tourism authority) presented today in Ponta Delgada a Cooperation Protocol aimed at bolstering the sustainability and competitiveness of the Azorean tourism sector.

The protocol provides for the development of joint capacity-building initiatives aimed at companies in the tourism sector, as well as outreach initiatives, participation in events, and the identification of synergies with other partners. Both entities also commit to regularly monitoring the agreement's implementation through monthly follow-up meetings.

This agreement establishes a strategic partnership between the Azores Sustainability Guide and the Tourism Business 360° Programme, run by Turismo de Portugal, to support companies in the sector in integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.

Under the protocol now presented, tourism companies based in the Autonomous Region of the Azores that have signed up to the Sustainability Charter will henceforth fulfil their reporting obligations via the FOREST technology platform – the Organisational Tool for Sustainability Reporting in Tourism.

This measure will streamline administrative procedures and improve the monitoring of companies’ sustainability commitments.

The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, believes that “this agreement represents another firm step towards consolidating the Azores as an internationally renowned tourist destination in terms of sustainability, reiterating the Azorean Government’s commitment towards the responsible management of regional natural and cultural resources.”

Furthermore, Carlos Abade, President of the Board of Directors of Turismo de Portugal, emphasised that “the inclusion of Azorean businesses in the Tourism Business 360° Programme reflects the alignment between regional and national policies, contributing to an increasingly sustainable and competitive tourism industry.”

Access to the FOREST platform and other measures set out in the protocol are free of charge for both parties, encouraging companies’ participation and the adoption of good practices.

With this partnership, the Regional Government and Turismo de Portugal are strengthening their institutional cooperation towards more sustainable tourism, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and international best practices in the sector.