This distinction is based on health safety measures in the tourism sector and its related activities, the low number of cases and the safety of the local health service.
For the Regional Government, this demonstrates that the measures implemented and the efforts undertaken by all Azoreans to comply with them are yielding positive results.
"Given the new normality we are currently living in, the distinction as one of the safest European destinations in 2020 is a source of pride in the work done so far," said the Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism.
"This is one of the best types of recognition we could receive this year, motivating us to continue the path we have taken in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and in the resumption of tourism activities," stressed Marta Guerreiro.
The Secretary for Tourism also stressed that Azorean entrepreneurs "have shown themselves prepared to receive tourists interested in the Azores with all safety conditions."
The awarding of this distinction also took into consideration the fact that the Azores are a perfect destination for travellers who have a preference for close contact with nature and for activities such as hiking, whale watching, local gastronomy and local traditions.
"The Azores are an example of good practices in the area of sustainability, with a positive international reputation for their positioning in the tourism market as the first and only certified archipelago in the world to be awarded the Sustainable Destination distinction," said Marta Guerreiro. In this regard, she considered that this certification "enhances our attractiveness and, consequently, the success as a tourist destination of worldwide reference."
"We are in the face of a position that meets the motivations of those who decide to travel and who will opt for destinations that offer health safety conditions associated with a differentiated offer of leisure activities," added the Regional Secretary.
Marta Guerreiro pointed out that "these factors are paramount in tourists' decision making and even more important than the price factor," which means that "the Azores are better positioned than most of their competitors."
The main "Coronavirus Safest Destinations," where the Azores are included, have already received a strong media coverage by the specialised international press, such as Forbes, promoting these tourist destinations as they are the most sought-after safe places for tourism.
The Azores have already been distinguished by the European Best Destination as "The Most Beautiful Landscape in Europe" and as "The Best Destinations for Dolphin and Whale Watching."