As a destination distinguished with the Quality Coat Award, the archipelago of the Azores has been nominated for the VISTAS 2014 - Vision Innovation for Sustainable Tourism Awards. The winners will be announced on March 6 at a ceremony to be held at IBT Berlin - International Tourism Exchange.

The VISTAS award aims to distinguish the excellence of the work carried out by the destinations that have efficiently contributed to the promotion of sustainable tourism in an innovative way.

The appointment was proposed by the Quality Coast programme; the latter was developed by the Coastal and Marine Union (EUCC). Comprised by 2,700 members from more than 40 countries, this entity gathers experts on various scientific areas to promote sustainable development in coastal destinations through an information strategy targeted at visitors.

In addition, the Quality Coast programme also aims to establish a worldwide network of coastal communities that share the same values and practices of sustainable development.

The Azores won the Gold Cost Quality Award 2013, an international award that distinguishes coastal environmental quality for sustainable tourism; this was the fourth consecutive victory. The Region has been distinguished among 100 selected destinations.

The efforts undertaken by the Azores in promoting good sustainability practices have been further distinguished with a nomination for the VISTAS Award.

The good practices implemented by the Azores that have earned their nomination for this award are described on the following website: http://www.qualitycoast.info/?page_id=1611. TravelMole, a partner site of VISTAS, has published information concerning each of the nominated destinations.

The Azores will be represented by the Azores Tourism Association at IBT 2014 - one of the most important tourism events in the world.