Azores join "Leading Destinations of the World" programme - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas

EarthCheck has just included the Azores in the "Leading Destinations of the World" programme, based on the work carried out by the Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, as regards sustainable tourism development.

"This is a clear demonstration of our leadership in the field of sustainability and our determination to increasingly strengthen the position and the identity of the Azores as a sustainable destination," says Berta Cabral, the Regional Secretary for Tourism.

The Azores are the first archipelago in the world to be certified as a "Sustainable Tourism Destination," a classification awarded under the EarthCheck Sustainable Destination programme in 2019.

Now, as part of the "Leading Destinations of the World," the Region is acknowledged for promoting sustainable actions to increase the positive results of tourism, as stated by EarthCheck. The latter is recognised and accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and operates internationally as an advisory and certification entity in the area of sustainable tourism.

Berta Cabral welcomed "another high-level international recognition of the work of excellence and good practices that are being implemented in the Azores, with a view to the effective sustainable development of the Region."

"We are already Silver Level IV in certification as a 'Sustainable Tourist Destination' and we intend to reach Gold Level this year, demonstrating our firm commitment to the principles of sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda," she added.

The "Leading Destinations of the World" programme enables sustainable tourism destinations to establish contacts as well as to share ideas in an open environment and in conjunction with other regions of the world.

As part of this programme, the Azores join a group of sustainable tourism destinations with shared values and a strong vision on behalf of the local community. They also share a determination to take action as well as community leadership supported by an action plan and a commitment to significant performance results.

All the destinations included in this programme have sustainability and responsible management at the heart of the Destination Brand, along with unique experiences and products that celebrate the values of the local community and a sense of community that is maintained and protected.