The archipelago of the Azores was distinguished, for the first time, one of the 10 most sustainable destinations in the world and the best destination in the Atlantic. The distinction was awarded by Green Destination and announced at ITB tourism fair in Berlin.
 
"The Azores have been nominated to the list of Sustainable Destinations TOP 100 since 2014. Nonetheless, this is the first time we have distinguished ourselves in the top 10 and we can only regard this with great satisfaction," stated the Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism.
 
Marta Guerreiro recalled that the certification process of the Azores as a sustainable tourist destination began in December. According to her, "this is another distinction worthy of the work" we have been carrying out in this area and, for the Regional Government, "it represents a true commitment to the future."
 
"The Azores are known internationally for being a 'Certified by Nature' region, with an active nature tourism, with a set of activities available on land and sea," said the Regional Secretary. She added that the archipelago has already achieved "a considerable international projection as regards to an increasingly sustainable sector."
 
"We look at the awarding of this distinction with great pride. It gives us even more strength to continue the path towards the sustainable development of tourism in the Azores as a differentiating element for those look for us and visit us," said the government official.
 
On its part, the Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology considered that this award represents the "international recognition" of the work that has been carried out in the area of nature tourism with special emphasis on the consolidation of maritime tourism activities, such whale watching and diving with sharks and manta rays.
 
"The Azores have managed to promote the emerging areas of maritime tourism, namely diving, which seize the richness of our marine ecosystems," said Gui Menezes. In this regard, he pointed out the creation of fishing restriction areas for the conservation of fishing resources as a "good example."
 
The Regional Secretary stressed the importance of cultural and tourism components of the Azores Sea, mentioning the recovery of whaling boats, with the Regional Government's support. "They are used in the famous regattas that are highly appreciated by the tourists who visit us during the summer."
 
"Tourists choose our Region for whale watching activities because we have managed to turn our whaling industry into a whale watching industry," the government official said, adding that "this is a good example of sustainability."