The results are in, and for the first time the archipelago of the Azores has been named the No.1 sustainable tourism destination in the world by a new leading study, beating 1,000 other coastal and island destinations to the top spot.

The new research comes from Quality Coast, the largest international certification programme for sustainable tourism destinations, which scored the Azores consistently high in all of its criteria including factors such as nature, environment, socio-economic factors and identity/community. The accolade follows the islands’ recent rise to the forefront of the sustainable tourism arena, having been recognised by Quality Coast and National Geographic Traveler Magazine in more recent years as one of the most sustainable holiday destinations in the world.

Situated in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores have low levels of development and offer many sites of natural heritage, protected marine life and wildlife, including the islands of Graciosa, Corvo and Flores – all UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. Additionally, 13 caldera lakes, geothermal springs and pools, mountain peatlands, reefs and other wetlands have been recognised as internationally significant sites by Ramsar, the international body for the conservation of sustainable wetlands.

This year, the Azores Islands were also certified as a European Geopark and accredited as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network, marking the islands as an internationally significant geological site. Some of the islands’ most well known geological sites, populated by volcanoes, calderas, lava fields, fumaroles, hot springs and thermal pools, include the crater lakes of Sete Cidades and Fogo on São Miguel Island, the landscapes of Monte Brasil on Terceira Island and the dramatic Caldeira on Faial Island.

The Azores’ wide variety of wildlife and protected marine life is among some of the most precious in Europe, including dolphins, sperm whales and great whales, marine turtles and birds, pelagic fish and cold water corals. Today, tourists can experience the islands’ natural treasures through their many well-regulated hiking and cycling trails, 33 Blue Flag beaches and activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving and sight seeing trips. Offering some of the best whale watching experiences in the world and around 25 resident and migratory species, the Azores is a text book example of how a destination has changed its emphasis, moving from a tradition of whale hunting to a tourism industry focused on whale conservation since the international ban on whaling over 30 years ago.

Approximately 5% of the Azores’ ground is ‘built-up’ urbanized area, which ensures an abundance of natural beauty – from imposing volcanoes and expansive crater lakes to caverns, grottoes, thermal springs and breathtaking landscapes forested in wild flora and fauna. Today, the archipelago makes effective use of renewable geothermal energy, and its main industries include agriculture, dairy farming, livestock ranching, fishing and tourism, which is becoming a major service activity in the region. The number of regulations and protected areas on the islands are continually rising, thanks in no small part to the importance placed on the environment in schools.

To find out more about the Azores Islands, visit www.visitazores.com

To find out more about the study, visit www.qualitycoast.info

October 2013

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Editor’s Notes:

The nine islands of the Azores are in the middle of the North Atlantic and belong to Portugal. They can be reached by direct flight from the UK in less than four hours from April – October, or via Lisbon year round. These volcanic islands are renowned for their craters, beautiful lakes, stunning sea, thermal pools and mountain vistas, their impressive flora and fauna and marine life. The islands have played a hugely important part in European maritime history, due to their strategically significant position as the westernmost point of Europe.

For more information, high resolution images or details of press trips please contact: David Wilson or David Ezra at KBC PR & Marketing: david.wilson@kbc-pr.com / david.ezra@kbc-pr.com / 01825 763636