Azores nature tourism gains fresh international momentum

The connection between tourism in the Azores and the archipelago's natural resources has received renewed international recognition. The islands won the 2026 European adventure destination award at the World Travel Awards, according to Regional Government information reported by Lusa on 18 October.

The award comes as the region's tourism strategy places nature at the centre of its offering. The Azores Strategic and Marketing Plan for Tourism, PEMTA 2030, identifies experiences on land and at sea as the destination's defining feature, linking that approach to better quality and sustainability.

Berta Cabral, Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructure, sees the award as an opportunity to raise awareness of the Azores in the countries visitors come from. She also considers it a way to strengthen confidence in the regional tourism offering and improve the islands' competitive position in adventure travel.

The government connects the achievement to the work of tourism professionals, businesses, associations and municipalities. Its assessment highlights both the territory's distinctive character and the experiences offered to visitors, alongside the contribution of public and private organisations to tourism development.

The Azores have previously received European awards in this field and a world adventure destination title, the Regional Government recalls. The latest recognition provides another asset for promoting the islands and supporting nature tourism throughout the year, in line with the region's objectives for 2030.