I agree completely about the need to control over-tourism. When I was there in January 2023, one of the guides informed me that sixteen new airlines would start bringing people there. Although some expansion is good, I can only imagine how such an increased number of visitors will impact the natural beauty of this diverse natural environment.
The Azores are becoming a “hot” destination, and like any place with a unique environment part of my responsibility is understanding how to prevent exploitation. When I look at how many places that are over-visited my heart hurts. I work for a travel agency that is part of the Virtuoso Travel Network; I am part of the Sustainability Community and our goals are almost counterintuitive - less is more. I am sending some clients to Sao Miguel as part of a larger itinerary for them and we’ve had the discussion about managing impact.
I agree completely about the need to control over-tourism. When I was there in January 2023, one of the guides informed me that sixteen new airlines would start bringing people there. Although some expansion is good, I can only imagine how such an increased number of visitors will impact the natural beauty of this diverse natural environment.
The Azores are becoming a “hot” destination, and like any place with a unique environment part of my responsibility is understanding how to prevent exploitation. When I look at how many places that are over-visited my heart hurts. I work for a travel agency that is part of the Virtuoso Travel Network; I am part of the Sustainability Community and our goals are almost counterintuitive - less is more. I am sending some clients to Sao Miguel as part of a larger itinerary for them and we’ve had the discussion about managing impact.