Azores Receive Certification as a Sustainable Tourist Destination

The Azores Archipelago received the certification as a sustainable tourist destination on December 5, 2019. It is the first and only archipelago in the world, as well as the first region in the country, to receive this important seal.

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This certification was awarded to only 13 regions worldwide, granted with the “silver” category by the certifier Earthcheck. This is an international certification and consultancy group specializing in scientific benchmarking in travel and tourism, operating since 1987.

This certification aligns with the criteria set by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, an international accreditation body for sustainable tourism certification.

Azores, a Sustainable Tourism Destination

The certification process for the Azores as a sustainable tourism destination began in 2017, proclaimed by the United Nations as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism.

This distinction serves not only to raise awareness among sector agents about the importance of positioning their businesses and areas within these practices but also allows the Azores destination to attract segments that value sustainability concerns.

This distinction also brings responsibilities, as the Azores have “the obligation” to care for their heritage. This certification is valid for one year—due to being a “silver” certification—and it is possible to maintain the certification and evolve to higher levels.

You can learn more about the Azores as a sustainable tourist destination here.

In the Press:

• Azores are the first region in the country certified as a sustainable tourist destination in TSF
• Azores are the first archipelago in the world certified as a sustainable tourist destination in Público.