The President of the Government defended in Lajes das Flores the need to continue the reconciliation of strategic investment in the tourism sector with the preservation, promotion and qualification of the environmental heritage, taking into account what it brings added value to the development the Azores.
 
"We must have a very clear notion that we can achieve a good balance point between these two components by acknowledging the value of what is ours and distinguishes us from other tourist destinations," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
The President of the Government spoke at "Assumada - Eco Tourism." This tourism project was distinguished today with "Miosótis Azores," an award intended to recognise tourist accommodations that implement good environmental practices in accordance with specific regional characteristics.
 
"I wish that what this award means be a source of inspiration for what should be the balance between strategic focus on the development of tourism and the preservation, promotion and qualification of the environmental heritage," said Vasco Cordeiro. The President of the Government spoke after visiting this project under the Government's statutory visit to the island of Flores.
 
In this context, the President of the Government considered that there are good indicators of the path followed in this reconciliation between tourism and the environment, pointing out, as example, the number of tourist accommodations distinguished with this award in recent years.
 
"In 2013, 17 entities on seven islands of our archipelago received the "Miosótis Azores" award. At this time, more than 70 entities from the nine islands of the archipelago," Vasco Cordeiro added, stressing that the development of the sector does not have to "privilege some interests while restraining others."
 
"We can achieve good balance point and this is what "Miosótis Azores" aims to highlight and demonstrate," the President of the Government said, considering, however, that the process of promoting the environmental sustainability of tourism is not limited to the delivery of this award.