The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism announced today the organisation of the International Conference "Azores 2017: Towards Sustainable Tourism" that will take place in Lagoa, São Miguel Island, on December 5 and 6.
 
Marta Guerreiro stressed that the event "will bring national and international experts, while assuring a multisectoral commitment and a unique opportunity to project the Azores in the international scene of sustainability. It also acknowledges the reinforcement and internal recognition of the Region as a sustainable destination."
 
"It is in this context that the Government decides to promote an international conference on sustainable tourism in the Azores with the aim of carrying out a more in-depth analysis of the Region's position in matters of sustainability," stressed Marta Guerreiro during the presentation of the initiative.
 
The Regional Secretary said the conference will take place at Nonagon for being not only "the first Science and Technology Park in the Region," but also "a pioneer in the implementation of "'green meetings'." It will be held as an eco-event that "will follow a low carbon and high social value methodology."
 
In her speech, Marta Guerreiro highlighted the importance that the Government of the Azores attaches to the issues of sustainable development, the creation of a Regional Secretariat that combines Energy with Environment and Tourism, and the work that has been carried out over the last years.
 
"Each of these areas will always work to preserve our natural and cultural heritage with a concern to create equitable and lasting wealth, based on the international climate governance towards a global low carbon economy," said the government official.
 
The Regional Secretary also stressed that this conference is also way for the Government to celebrate the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, as declared by the United Nations.
 
With a broad programme, the Conference will address themes such as the current positioning of the Azores and Portugal as destinations for sustainable tourism, examples of other destinations with sustainable practices, and "speed networking moments." The latter brings together the best case studies in this field not only in terms of accommodation quality and tour operators, but also in terms of governance, certification and monitoring.
 
"The survey and diagnosis of the Azores as a sustainable tourism destination will be presented, being the motto for the Regional Government's letter of intentions for the future of our destination," added the government official.
 
Ana Mendes Godinho, Secretary of State for Tourism, and Luigi Cabrini and Kathleen Pessolano, Global Sustainable Tourism Council, are some of the some keynote speakers at this conference.
 
The presentation of the initiative took place at Maia Tobacco Museum on São Miguel for being "an example of how the Azores have been able to preserve and readapt their traditions, enabling the economic growth of the Region," Marta Guerreiro said, highlighting the importance of tea growing dating back to the 19th century.
 
"If we want to talk about sustainability, we should look at the historical importance of these cultures and what they represent today as local development engines that highlight the potential of the Region," said the government official.
 
Further information on the mission of the eco-event, principles, programme, speakers and registrations is available at the address http://azores2017sustainabletourism.azores.gov.pt/.