No fewer than six places in Portugal have been recognised on the Sustainable Destinations ranking of the top 100 spots.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is more than any country in the world with the sole exception of the Netherlands which has eight desinations.
Portugal has outstripped the UK, the US, Germany, Sweden and Italy.
The list seeks to highlight destinations which host responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives “for the benefit of tourists, the local community and the world”.
To qualify, entrants must pass 15 criteria which run from cultural heritage conservation to having a sustainability coordinator.
Portugal’s destinations are:
Lagos where more than 60% of its land is a nature conservation area and all beaches and the marina have Blue Flags. Local traditions, heritage and culture are well preserved and promoted.
Cascais has made many efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, promoting soft mobility, offering free bicycle rentals around town. It offers environmental education with tours covering cultural, natural and historic heritage at Pisao’s Eco park and about the area’s rich coastal biodiversity at the Environmental Interpretation Center of Pedra do Sal (CIAPS), the first “Zero Energy building” in Portugal.
Sintra’s beaches have “Excellent” bathing water quality and two are being converted for disabled access. Its natural, architectural and archaeological relics were recognized as World Heritage in 1995; this heritage is well preserved and promoted. It was one of the first municipalities in Portugal to develop a local strategic plan to face climate change.
Peneda-Gerês National Park protects its unique environment, trains guides in wilderness expertise, promotes sustainable development and tourism and keeps traditions through support for local associations and small producers. It, and the Natural Park of Xurés (Spain), is a designated UNESCO Transboundary Biosphere Reserve.
The Oeste Portugal region of 12 municipalities which promote sustainable development and quality of life. Their beaches are deemed “Excellent” and 16 of them are accessible to people with disabilities. The greatest underwater reef in Europe is here - the Nazaré. A great deal of its land is a protected natural area which does not permit building. Its heritage is displayed in many museums and well-restored historical buildings including the World Heritage site “Monastery of Alcobaça”.
Torres Vedras, which holds joint position with Oeste Portugal, promotes biodiversity, increases soft mobility opportunities, and runs the Environmental Education Centre for citizens to learn about water conservation techniques.
Azores - This archipelago of nine volcanic islands have protected their geodiversity and marine life, use renewable energy and rationalise water use. Tourism businesses aim for long-term social and economic benefits and the government actively supports human rights activities with, for example, campaigns against domestic violence.
