The auditorium of the Science and Technology Park of São Miguel hosted last driday the national celebrations of World Tourism Day, an initiative of the Portuguese Tourism Confederation (CTP) and the Government of the Azores.

“Sustainable Tourism: a legacy for the future” was the theme of this conference attended by the Deputy Minister of Economy, Pedro Siza Vieira, the President of the Azores Government, Vasco Cordeiro and António Sampaio da Nóvoa, Ambassador of Portugal at UNESCO.

“Sustainability is a theme that concerns all citizens and activities, being essential for Tourism and the Azores, elected one of the most sustainable destinations in the world”, said Francisco Calheiros, president of CTP. "Undoubtedly, it is a challenge for current and future generations and for the affirmation of our country as a tourist destination that promotes social and economic development, the intelligent use of natural resources and the preservation of species and their habitats."

In charge of the Coordination of the Sustainability Management Structure of the Azores Tourism Destination, Jorge Alves, was the presentation of the sustainability policy of the Azores destination and the work that is being developed to obtain the 2019 sustainable destination certification, according to with the criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

With the moderation of journalist Pedro Pinto, this conference also featured a debate with the participation of the President of the Azores Tourism Association, Carlos Morais, the Executive Director of Bensaude Turismo, Marta Pires, the Rent a Car Administrator of the Island, Luís Rego and Finançor Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, José Romão Braz.

The closing session was led by Marta Guerreiro, Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism.