Azores reach Silver Level 4 as Sustainable Tourism Destination - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas

The Azores are the first archipelago in the world to be certified as a "Sustainable Tourism Destination" and have just reached Silver Level 4.

The certification was achieved as the Region met the criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, an international accreditation body for sustainable tourism certification.

According to the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, this classification consolidates the Azores' position and leadership in terms of tourism sustainability.

Last October, EarthCheck's independent auditors assessed various infrastructures on different islands in the Azores and the result was a further step up in the certification process.

The standards adopted by EarthCheck stipulate an evolutionary certification process that requires the progressive achievement of four levels (silver, gold, platinum and master). The Region's next major target is to reach Gold Level by 2024.

Berta Cabral says that "achieving the Gold Level is not a goal associated with the ostentatious display of a seal, but one that is critical because of its symbolism, the power of its example and the mobilising effect it can have."

"Achieving this goal will be the formal recognition of the Region's firm, committed and daily commitment to the uncompromising defence of the balance between our economic, social, environmental and cultural dimensions," she said.

She continued: "This is a mission that we embrace with dedication and enthusiasm, recognising that sustainability is not an end, but rather a process of continuous and systematic improvement that has to be put into practice every day."

Berta Cabral emphasised the key role that sustainability plays in the new version of the Strategic and Marketing Plan for Tourism in the Azores (PEMTA) and, above all, "in the development of the entire value chain in the sector."

"Sustainability is the key pillar of tourism development and underpins four fundamental strategic goals: to consolidate the Azores internationally as a sustainable tourist destination; to reduce seasonality and distribute tourist flows; to raise quality standards and generate more value; and to enhance visibility among tourists," she stressed.

"This Plan, which was drawn up following a wide-ranging participatory process, embodies our vision for tourism in the coming years, where the fundamental premise is to have tourism all year round on all the islands," she said.

The Azores Sustainability Charter is another guiding tool for the development of the tourism sector. It is not just a guide, but rather "a commitment to principles and practices that define the actions and contribution of organisations to the Sustainable Development Goals set out in the 2030 Agenda."