Azores are "Preferred Destination" of European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Associations in 2014

Sete Cidades Trail_São Miguel Island©Turismo dos Açores|Veraçor

The Azores became officially the 2014 “Preferred Destination” of European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA), according to a protocol signed this week by representatives of the Government of the Azores and ECTAA’s representatives.

The distinction will bring added benefits to the Azores in the promotion of the archipelago as a quality tourist destination.

According to the protocol, the Azores will benefit from a series of actions intended to disseminate the information and promotional materials of our destination, such as the ECTAA site, newsletters, public presentations and other initiatives. In addition, the Azores will also have the opportunity to establish contacts with travel agents and tour operators that are part of this association as well as with all ECTAA members.

The Regional Secretary for Tourism of Azores, revealed that "ECTAA will organise in Ponta Delgada its biennial meeting" in June 2014, adding that the Azores "will not only participate in the event, but will also take part in its organisation by contributing with ideas and projects." Vítor Fraga also noted that "this protocol, in addition to bringing all benefits to the Autonomous Region of the Azores, supports our views regarding the promotion of the archipelago as a quality tourist destination."

In March this year, the Region became the "Preferred Destination" of the Portuguese Association of Travel Agencies and Tourism (APAVT), a distinction that is now reinforced with the agreement signed with ECTAA, which enhances the projection of the Azores Destination at a European level.

Established in 19661, ECTAA stands for the “Group of National Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations within the EU.” An international non-profit association under Belgian law, whose offices are located in Brussels, Belgium, ECTAA represents the national associations of travel agents and tour operators of the 15 Member States of the European Union.

Find more information about the Azores at www.visitazores.com

Source: Governo dos Açores

Azores distinguished once again as best "green" tourist destination in Europe

The archipelago of the Azores was once again considered as the best "green" tourist destination in Europe (QualityCoast GOLD).

As in 2012, the prize was awarded at an official ceremony that took place in Malta on Monday, the European Maritime Day.

The "QualityCoast" annual awards are delivered by the "European Coastal & Marine Union" (EUCC), following the evaluation of the sustainability of more than 1000 European destinations.

These destinations were evaluated by an international team that used more than 100 indicators comprising all aspects of sustainability, including nature, environment, local identity and culture, tourism and business, local community and security.

The Azores have led the top list of green tourism since May 2012.

The organisation of the "QualityCoast" awards stresses that the Azores have drawn advantage from their traditional production sectors, such as wine, cheese, fruit, tea and tuna. In addition, the Region has managed to overcome the economic disadvantages caused by the international ban on commercial whaling with the promotion of whale watching.

One should recall that the "QualityCoast" award, supported by the European Commission, is the largest international independent certification programme for sustainable tourism destinations.

Since 2007, more than 140 destinations in 23 countries, including coastal towns, tourist resorts and islands, have been selected for a "QualityCoast" award.

The "QualityCoast" awards acknowledge the efforts undertaken by destinations to preserve and develop tourism, not only in the visible aspects that are assessed, such as natural heritage, but also in the policies and management plans that take into account the principles for sustainable development.

The Portuguese town of Cascais was also one of the winners of the QualityCoast Silver, and all municipalities of the Portuguese West region (including Peniche, Torres Vedras, Obidos, Nazaré) received QualityCoast Bronze.  

See here the Quality Coast Brochure 2013

Source: Azorean Government Portal (Portal do Governo dos Açores)  and QualityCoast website.