"Decision to certify the Azores as sustainable tourist destination is commitment to the future," says Marta Guerreiro
The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stated in Ponta Delgada that the decision to certify the Azores as a sustainable tourist destination "is a commitment to the future," involving a "rigorous process" through the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and with the United Nations' approval.
"Only five countries in the world hold it, corresponding to 10 regions around the world. We believe that the Azores will be the next one, already in 2019, thus becoming the first archipelago in the world with this certification," said Marta Guerreiro, who spoke about sustainable tourism under the "BPI Meeting with Companies."
Marta Guerreiro stressed that sustainable tourism represents a "broad commitment in the Region and a collective willingness of various sectors to do more and better," pointing out the Sustainability Charter. Currently, it has 60 members that have shown their "committed to achieving goals aligned with those set by the United Nations."
Regarding tourism flows in 2018, the Regional Secretary stressed that, "after a 93% growth in overnight stays in just three years," this is "a more adequate pace to the strategy towards a sustainable and gradual growth of tourism."
Marta Guerreiro stated that, even with the growth levels registered in recent years, "the indicator concerning the pressure on the destination showed that guests and daily visitors only accounted for 2.65 % of the pressure exerted on the destination in 2017." This situation evidences the Regional Government's commitment to pursuing policies that guarantee the quality of life in the Azores and their unique environmental heritage.
In her speech, the Regional Secretary also stressed that "the archipelago was considered one of the most sustainable tourist destinations in Europe in recent years, considering indicators such as quality of nature, environmental care, social issues, green economy, cultural heritage and green tourism policies."
The archipelago of the Azores and Jeju, South Korea, are the only two regions in the world holding all the classifications awarded by UNESCO, namely World Heritage (Angra do Heroísmo historical centre and Pico Island Vineyard Culture Landscape), Biosphere Reserve (islands of Corvo, Flores and Graciosa and "Fajãs" of São Jorge Island), Ramsar Site (13 sites) and Geopark (121 geosites throughout the nine islands and the surrounding marine area).