The Autonomous Region of the Azores has achieved recognition as an EarthCheck Benchmarked Destination for 2024, according to a report released by the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility, and Infrastructures. This recognition underscores the strong sustainability policies in place in the Azores, with the region performing at or above the reference levels in 15 of the EarthCheck indicators assessed.

“The Azores were carefully selected to track performance in key areas such as environment and impact on social performance. EarthCheck benchmarking provides an organisation with a vehicle for sustainability reporting and is based on continuous improvement,” the report states. The Azores’ performance in areas such as greenhouse gas emissions, drinking water consumption, waste disposal in landfills, water quality, habitat conservation, and socio-economic benefits surpassed baseline levels, contributing to this prestigious recognition. Compared to 2023, the Azores showed progress in an additional indicator—greenhouse gas emissions—demonstrating improvement in sustainability efforts. Best practices in the region were recognised in several areas, including the percentage of green spaces, water conservation, and overall destination safety.

The annual evaluation of the Azores is based on EarthCheck’s certification indicators and checklists, which monitor the region’s sustainable development efforts in environmental, socio-cultural, and economic aspects. The Azores’ Secretary for Tourism, Mobility, and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, highlighted the positive evolution that the results demonstrate, adding “We are proud of this path of continuous improvement, and we are firmly and resolutely committed to it.” The Azores’ bet on sustainability, including surrounding tourism, is resulting in conservation certifications and awards, with EarthCheck 2024 being but the latest accolade.