Azores are exemplary Region for sustainable development of excellence, says Rui Bettencourt
The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations defended in Brussels that the Azores are “an exemplary region," ensuring that there is a commitment to develop a sustainable tourism of “excellence” in the archipelago.
“There is a global trend with increasing tourism, increasing transport needs and increasing demand for more nature tourism, with the Azores being at the crossroads of this development and tourism growth,” said Rui Bettencourt. He spoke during a debate on new trends, challenges and solutions for sustainable tourism at the meeting held by the Commission for Natural Resources (NAT) of the Committee of the Regions.
"As it is evident, the Azores still have some challenges to overcome, but they have come a long way in tourism management with concern for environmental sustainability and quality," added the Secretary for External Relations.
For the government official, the Region faces difficulties that other regions also have in their growth, but considered that they also have a “good answer,” namely in the mission of setting strong sustainability goals that are highlighted at European level.
In his speech, the Regional Secretary also stated that the Azores “are special” and should be “well preserved,” pointing out the importance of developing regional tourism in a sustainable manner.
"There is international recognition for being a Region with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability," said Rui Bettencourt. In this regard, he highlighted the strategies pursued by the Regional Government and the good indicators registered at various levels, evidencing a consistent development aligned with sustainability goals.
“All this leads to the Azorean management of excellence in tourism,” the government official stressed, emphasising the need to continue “preserving the environment, land and sea.”
The Regional Secretary further mentioned the importance of “influence management” and the “establishment of partnerships” involving social partners, entrepreneurs and tour agents, among others."
"It is important to join efforts with all stakeholders in the tourism sector so that our management of our excellence may become a reality," stated the government official.
According to Rui Bettencourt, it was "a good debate on a very important issue for the European Union at this time: the development of tourism and, more specifically, of sustainable quality tourism."