The Azores are ranked among the sustainable destinations global "Top 100" for the fifth consecutive time. The award was bestowed by Green Destination and delivered at the Berlin Tourism Fair in Germany.
 
The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism, who attended the ceremony, highlighted the fact that Portugal was distinguished as the best European destination with regard to some regions of the country, namely the Azores. They are "the only region of the country to be distinguished with the Quality Coast Platinum Award," established in 2014, by Green Destinations.
 
"It is with great pride that we receive, once again, an award such as this one, highlighting the Azores for their commitment to the sustainable development of the tourism sector. This further heightens the international reputation of our archipelago on an issue of paramount importance today," noted Marta Guerreiro.
 
The Secretary for Tourism recalled the ongoing certification process of the Azores as a sustainable tourist destination, considering that "distinctions like this one demonstrate the efforts undertaken by the Government in these matters as a true commitment to the future of the Region."
 
"We have no doubt that all these prizes and distinctions make the Azores an even more sought-after destination, being also a reason of pride for all Azoreans," said the government official.
 
The sustainable destinations global "Top 100" award was established in 2014. It is primarily aimed at distinguishing and rewarding tourist destinations that work to make a difference in sustainability matters, highlighting success stories and good sustainable practices.
 
Green Destinations, responsible for organising the event, is an institutional network that leads international organisations specialised in sustainable tourism and evaluates competing destinations worldwide.