Miosótis Award distinguishes 18 new tourism accommodation establishments in the Azores
The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism revealed that 18 new tourism accommodation establishments were distinguished with the "Miosótis" award this year, in addition to 37 renewals, revealing that sustainable practices are increasingly important for entrepreneurs in the sector.
Marta Guerreiro delivered on Graciosa Island the awards to the "Fontes View Point" and "Casa Lagar de Pedra" accommodations. On the occasion, she emphasised that this is "award covers all islands of the archipelago, already registering 103 members."
"It is with great satisfaction that every year we deliver new awards, in addition to the renewal of existing ones. This is undoubtedly shows that agents in the tourism sector are aware of the importance of sustainability, thus reflecting a joint effort between the Azorean Government and private entities," stressed Marta Guerreiro.
Nevertheless, the Secretary for Tourism stressed the importance of "increasing the number of award-winning accommodations as examples of good practices. In fact, they reveal concerns in areas such as waste management, water and energy use, biodiversity and local development or concerns about information and environmental management."
Marta Guerreiro pointed out that the Azores have been "gaining relevance" with regard to sustainable tourism over the last few years, which is quite visible in the "positive impacts on the increase of visitors." However, it requires a "redoubled need for maintaining and updating standards considered sustainable in the tourism sector."
"This is a path that we have been following under a strategy that creates a common vision and positions the Azores as a tourist destination of international reference in this area", stressed the Regional Secretary. In this context, she recalled that the beginning of the certification process of the Azores as a sustainable destination, which will be concluded in 2019.
Marta Guerreiro also highlighted the importance of the "Miosótis" awards, implemented since 2012, as a credible and rigorous environmental brand. It acknowledges good practices in tourism accommodation establishments while raising the awareness of workers and clients for the widespread use of good environmental practices."
The award confers various levels of recognition to regional tourism accommodation establishments for their good environmental behaviour, implemented in different areas, focusing on resource saving, correct waste management and local promotion. This is a free process, both for registration and renewal, and it is valid for a two-year period.
"More than ever, today we defend harmonious tourism growth with Nature and with people, which does not jeopardise the sustainability of our destiny and the recognition of our identity," said Marta Guerreiro.