The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism highlighted today the island of Santa Maria for registering "almost a quarter" of Miosótis awards in the Region. They aim to distinguish "the regional accommodation units that invest in sustainable tourism through the implementation of an appropriate environmental behaviour."
Marta Guerreiro spoke in Vila do Porto at the delivery ceremony of Miosótis awards to four tourism establishments on Santa Maria out of a total of 18 establishments distinguished throughout the Region: Casa do Norte, Casa dos Tomarinhos, Charming Blue and Villa Natura.
"This relevance we have been acquiring over the last few years in terms of sustainable tourism has led to an increase in the number of visitors in the Region. This requires increases the need to maintain and update sustainable standards in the tourism sector," stressed Marta Guerreiro.
The Secretary for Tourism stressed that the "Region is on a safe and responsible track, where everyone plays a relevant role for sustainable development." In this context, she added that "people are part of the Azores tourism experience and should be, along with nature, the differentiating element."
"More than ever, we are defending a harmonious tourism growth with nature and with people that does not jeopardise the sustainability of our destiny and the recognition of our identity," said the Regional Secretary.
According to her, "all these factors evidence the Regional Government's commitment to sustainability, which is increasingly being extended to all sectors of activity."
Marta Guerreiro recalled the process of certification of the Azores as a sustainable tourist destination, which started at the end of last year, "is a goal to be achieved in 2019." In this regard, she highlighted the creation of the Charter of Sustainability, a document "signed by 59 entities." In this Charter, entities define, at least, three goals aligned with those set by the United National for Sustainable Development.
"We leave you the challenge to sign the Charter of Sustainability in the future so that you may go with us, once again, on this path that is both a challenge and responsibility towards the future," said the Regional Secretary.