Eduardo Silva, Azores Promotion Board, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
I am Market Manager for the USA and Canada and general promotor for all markets for www.visitazores.com.
The Azores, America’s gateway to Europe, revealed themselves to the Portuguese since 1427, nine islands, sisters of indescribable beauty, born from the volcanic mountains that plunged them into the Atlantic, gardened by lagoons of deep emerald blue, an eternal spring blossoming with azaleas, hibiscus, oleanders, hydrangea, ginger lilies and agapanthus, belladonna and Japanese camellia, stand out as a destination of excellence for hiking, cycling, equestrian trails, canoeing, kayaking, canyoning, stand-up paddle, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling and whale watching.
The Azores highlighted Unesco world cultural heritage and Reserves of the Biosphere due to their extremely important contributions to humanity and example of sustainable development, boasts five centuries of rich Atlantic culture, cuddled in a warm and hospitable human environment, with the most delicious gastronomy and unique volcanic wines, the sweetest pineapples, exclusive European tea, and coffee
.The ties between the Azores and the United States go back to the beginning of the country. The U.S. Consulate in Ponta Delgada is the oldest continuously operating U.S. Consulate in the world, since the first official U.S. Consul, John Street, was appointed by President George Washington in 1795 when Thomas Jefferson was Secretary of State. 2020 marks the 225th anniversary of very special relationship of the US with the Azores.
The Archipelago of the Azores is composed of nine volcanic islands in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean and is well known for promoting sustainability. The Azores have a rich and protected geodiversity and marine life, natural areas with well-regulated hiking trails as well as an Eco school. Renewable energy is also widely used on the island. On the Azores, rational use of water is supported by the Regional Plan for the Water (PRAA). Moreover, tourism businesses are ensuring long-term social and economic benefits and the government actively supports human rights activities.
The archipelago of the Azores and Jeju, South Korea, are the only two regions in the world holding all the classifications awarded by UNESCO, namely World Heritage (Angra do Heroísmo historical center and Pico Island Vineyard Culture Landscape), Biosphere Reserve (islands of Corvo, Flores, and Graciosa and “Fajãs” of São Jorge Island), Ramsar Site (13 sites) and Geopark (121 sites throughout the nine islands and the surrounding marine area).
Portugal’s “Clean & Safe Establishment” label was perfected by an Azorean “Clean & Safe Establishment” label that enforces the safety of guests, owners and visitors in the Azores with additional measures for visitors and organizations within the tourism sector to help restore the sector ahead of prospective border openings. Detailed guidelines for hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions will be put in place by the Azores Government.
The Azores, Europe’s exclusive island destination, returns from its break, embracing all our visiting friends, whom we invite to live their life to the fullest, in a peaceful, healthy, safe environment with all the modern comforts and the unique charm of nature’s sustainable harmony.
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