Regional Government works with tourism entrepreneurs for gradual resumption of activity
The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism highlighted the joint work with tourism entrepreneurs for the gradual resumption of activity, with special emphasis on health safety issues. Under the "Clean & Safe Azores" initiative, eight training courses were already carried out in the areas of hospitality, local accommodation, rural tourism and catering that covered 626 entities, corresponding to 741 participants.
The awarding of the "Clean & Safe Azores" seal requires attendance in an online training course to be conducted according to the Handbook on COVID-19 Good Practices that was prepared in partnership with the Regional Secretariat for Health.
The training courses took place based on modules dedicated to each of the areas, which can be consulted at https://clean-safe.azores.gov.pt/boas_praticas.aspx.
Marta Guerreiro revealed that the Regional Government has already awarded more than 150 "Clean & Safe Açores" seals to restaurant and hotel entrepreneurs.
As far as the demand for this programme is concerned, more than 2,000 application for this seal have been already been submitted. For the Regional Secretary, this “demonstrates that tourism entrepreneurs are focused on ensuring all health safety rules in their businesses, thus conveying a message of confidence from our destiny in the gradual resumption of activity.”
The applications received so far comprise tourist developments, local accommodation, camping sites, youth hostels, travel agencies, tourist animation companies, tour guides, restaurants, rent-a-car and events/congresses.
Further information is available at https://clean-safe.azores.gov.pt.
The Regional Secretary spoke at the end of the visits to Sensi Nature & Spa and Mosteiros Place, two tourist developments that have joined the "Clean & Safe Azores" initiative.
“These are two examples that represent what we defend for the improvement of our tourism offer," the government official stressed, adding that “both represent the effort to implement health safety measures in the resumption of tourist activity, an increasingly important factor in choosing accommodation."
Marta Guerreiro stressed that Sensi Nature & SPA, with capacity for 42 beds in 21 accommodation units, “was the site where, at Casa do Monte (House of the Hill), the Azorean flag was flown for the first time in 1897.” As she emphasised, this is a project "with a strong historical component and symbolism for its close ties with the Region's Autonomy."
The Secretary for Tourism also stressed that Mosteiros Place, with a total of 24 beds, “is based on very sober concept.” It is composed of six accommodation units on a raised platform with a wide view over the sea, combining architectural quality with comfort.