We live in changing times. And the world, as we knew it, changed with the arrival of an invisible enemy, a virus that would become a global pandemic, forcing us into a lockdown As a result, numerous activities were affected and several companies closed their doors. In this sudden cataclysm, tourism was one of the sectors most affected by the imposed restrictions, closing down hotels, hostels, local accommodation and all other activities that depended on it. However, Man is recognized for his ability to adapt, and it was a matter of time before we adjusted to a new reality. After the vaccination came into operation, companies connected to tourism began, little by little, to resume their activities and in the Azores it was no different.

Tourism in the Azores has been assumed, for some years, as one of the most relevant sectors in the economic development of the Region, with very high growth rates, making it imperative to promote its recovery and continue with services and activities. It was with this in mind that, in order to consolidate the image of the Azores as a safe and reliable destination, the “Clean & Safe”seal was created, aiming to recognize tourist developments, local accommodation, tourist entertainment companies and travel agencies that are committed to comply with the recommendations issued by the Regional Health Authority, in conjunction with the Regional Secretariat for Transport, Tourism and Energy, to reduce the risk of contamination of their spaces with SARS-CoV-2. 

The “Clean & Safe Azores” seal guarantees Safety, whose manual, prepared by specialists in public health and tourism, with a set of specificities adapted to the regional reality, allows to ensure distance training for each sector of tourist activity, providing companies and entrepreneurs with the necessary information about the procedures to be adopted.

Obtaining the “Clean & Safe Azores” Seal

In order to obtain certification with the “Clean & Safe Azores”seal, the company representative must, in the first instance, enroll in the training. The adaptation and implementation of the seal in the Azores is the responsibility of the Regional Directorate of Tourism and its attribution is subject to online training that will be provided to companies and participating entities. After the training, each participant will be given the kit with the respective seal, and its maintenance implies a strong commitment with regard to the implementation and monitoring of the actions and rules underlying the document. Registration must be made in the following form.

Recommendations for Local Accommodation

As for the good practices manual, with regard to local accommodation, some of the rules and recommendations that must be complied with are listed in abbreviated form. 

Management measures (internal contingency plan; cleaning and sanitation plan; face-to-face check-in with mask and safety distance; placement of alcohol-based antiseptic solution dispensers; etc.). 

Maintenance, cleaning and hygiene (change of towels, cleaning and disinfection after guests check out; disinfection of common use areas; wet cleaning instead of dry cleaning, etc.). 

Reception services and areas of common use (use of mask and safety distance; defined and signaled circulation flows; protective barriers; etc.). 

For more information on these and other recommendations, please refer to the manual.