Azorean tourism aligns with environmental principles, necessitating sustainable practices amid increasing innovation. Sustainable tourism, endorsed by the World Tourism Organization, integrates economic, social, and ecological needs while respecting local culture and biodiversity. To address the lack of eco-friendly recognition, the Miosotis Azores Award is introduced, focusing on accommodations’ environmental practices. The award’s goals include creating a credible environmental award, acknowledging good practices, and promoting environmental awareness. Targeting various accommodations, the award spans three to five criteria levels, verified remotely and in-person by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Change. Valid for two years, renewal requires meeting or exceeding criteria through a face-to-face visit. Criteria cover waste, water, energy, biodiversity, Natura 2000 conservation, and environmental management.
