The Azores, Portugal, have been recognised as a best practice by the Sustainable EU Tourism project for their comprehensive and inclusive approach to sustainable tourism. Faced with a surge in tourism after opening to low-cost airlines in 2015, the Azores initiated a collaborative governance model in 2017 to ensure sustainable tourism growth.

Three working groups – comprising local communities, public sector “green teams,” and private companies – were established to co-create solutions. These efforts were guided by EarthCheck and GSTC criteria and supported by the Destination Sustainability Action Plan 2030, which is revised annually with stakeholders’ input. The Azores also launched a Sustainability Charter, offering SMEs training and tools to implement and report on ESG indicators via an interactive platform.

The region’s achievements include certification as the world’s first “Sustainable Destination” archipelago according to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria, improved environmental management, and enhanced stakeholder collaboration. More than 350 individuals and companies have been empowered through this initiative, contributing to systematic nature conservation and increased sustainability awareness across sectors.

This best practice demonstrates how strong political leadership, inclusive governance, and international certification can drive sustainable tourism. It highlights the value of long-term planning, stakeholder empowerment, and data-driven management in achieving a resilient and environmentally responsible tourism model.

For more details on the key challenges the destination has faced, and the solutions implemented to address them, please refer to the attached document.

#Destination management #Sustainable tourism #Community engagement #Stakeholder engagement #Sustainable destinations #Tourism development #Responsible travel #Innovation in tourism