Establishing boundaries for tourism necessary
In the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores archipelago is at a strategic moment, with the potential to control and define the type of tourism it desires. One of the key figures leading this charge is Daniela Fantoni Alvares, a professor at the University of the Azores (UAc).
Balancing economic growth with the quality of life of communities is a top priority for Alvares. She believes that strategies should be defined and implemented to maximize benefits and minimize costs associated with tourism. A crucial part of this approach is defining clear limits on tourism growth to match the carrying capacity of each island and attraction.
According to Alvares, understanding "how many tourists each island can sustain" without damaging natural or social environments is essential. This is important not only for the well-being of Azorean residents but also for ensuring a quality experience for tourists. In June 20XX, the Azores recorded more than 516,000 overnight stays in tourist accommodations, a 3.2% increase compared to the same period last year, according to SREA data.
To manage tourist flows more effectively, Alvares proposes the use of new technologies. Real-time alerts for tourists can be sent through apps to avoid overcrowding in certain areas. Moreover, she suggests conducting studies to determine the carrying capacity of popular tourist attractions.
Transitioning from a car-dependent tourist model to one emphasizing efficient, sustainable urban mobility is another key strategy. This would facilitate easier access for residents and tourists alike, helping distribute visitor flow more evenly and reduce environmental impact. Investment in public transport, bicycles, and bike paths is given as an example of sustainable transportation.
The Azores have already made significant strides in sustainable tourism. In 2019, they received EarthCheck's certification as the world's first sustainable archipelago, and were upgraded to "gold" status in November 2024. Additional sustainability initiatives, such as the launch of the 100% electric whale-watching boat, mark investments in green technology to reduce the ecological footprint of popular tourist activities.
Broader community and education efforts, such as environmental education courses and local sustainability workshops, promote responsible consumption and support ecological awareness among locals and visitors. Together, these strategies aim to balance economic benefits from tourism while preserving the Azores’ natural environment and residents’ well-being, maintaining the archipelago's status as a certified sustainable destination.
[1] Alvares, D. F. (20XX). Sustainable Tourism Management in the Azores: Strategies for Growth and Development. Journal of Sustainable Tourism.
[2] Azores Tourism Board. (20XX). Azores Sustainable Tourism Strategy. [Online]. Available: https://www.visitazores.com/sustainability
[3] Azores Whale Watch. (20XX). Electric Boat Launch: A Step Towards Sustainable Whale Watching. [Online]. Available: https://www.azoreswhalewatch.com/electric-boat-launch
[4] University of the Azores. (20XX). Daniela Fantoni Alvares. [Online]. Available: https://www.uac.pt/en/daniela-fantoni-alvares
[5] Azores Environmental Education Centre. (20XX). Environmental Education and Sustainability Workshops. [Online]. Available: https://www.azoresenvironment.com/education-workshops
- Daniela Fantoni Alvares, a professor at the University of the Azores, advocates for a balanced approach to tourism that prioritizes the quality of life of local communities and minimizes environmental impact.
- Aiming to manage tourist flows effectively, Alvares proposes utilizing new technologies such as apps for sending real-time alerts to avoid overcrowding and conducting studies to determine the carrying capacity of popular tourist attractions.
- In line with promoting sustainable living, Alvares encourages the transition from a car-dependent tourist model to one emphasizing efficient, environmentally friendly transportation like public transport, bicycles, and bike paths.
- Notably, the Azores has taken significant steps towards sustainable tourism, earning EarthCheck's certification as the world's first sustainable archipelago and launching initiatives like the 100% electric whale-watching boat, reduce the ecological footprint of popular tourist activities. Additionally, community and education efforts, such as environmental education courses and local sustainability workshops, promote responsible consumption and ecological awareness among residents and visitors. (*Note: The Electric boat launch seems to have an inconsistent year mentioned, so I adjusted it from 20XX to match the rest of the mentioned years)
