The Government of the Azores awarded today the Azores Myosotis prizes for 2013-2014 to 21 tourist accommodation units in the Region, thus increasing the number of distinguished establishments to 33.

This award recognises regional tourist accommodation establishments for their good environmental behaviour implemented in different areas, including resource saving, proper waste management and local enhancement.

The ceremony held at Faial Botanical Garden was attended by the Regional Secretaries for Tourism and Transport, Vítor Fraga, and Natural Resources, Luís Neto Viveiros, who praised the investment made by the entrepreneurs that have applied for the award.

"We can proudly say at this moment that the sustainability policies which have guided tourism development in the Region have been distinguished by numerous international environmental recognitions, thus contributing to enhance the visibility of Azores as a Nature Destination of Excellence, said Vítor Fraga.
 
The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport mentioned some examples of the Region's international recognition: the existence of 23 sites in the Azores that are included in the Natura 2000 Network; three islands classified by UNESCO as Biosphere Reserves; the fact that Faial Botanical Park was the national destination to be distinguished with the "EDEN" - European Destination of Excellence" award and the "Quality Coast Destination" prize, an award which distinguishes the Azores as the most sustainable coastal holiday destination in Europe.

In turn, Luís Neto Viveiros considered that "Myosotis was a good choice to designate this award."

"Myosotis or 'forget-me-not', as it is popularly known, is an endemic plant that can be found across the archipelago and it was chosen as a symbol of the balance that must always exist between Nature and human beings," defended the government official.

The Regional Secretary for Natural Resources stressed that this is the Government's view "and, fortunately, it is being increasingly promoted by Tourism entrepreneurs."

"Our sincere congratulations to all establishments. The Regional Government continues to assure its commitment to support this journey towards 'green' excellence so that those who visit us 'do not forget us' and continue to prefer the Azores," said Luís Neto Viveiros.