Sustainability
Sustainability in Tourism
The Bensaude Hotels Collection is focused on sustainable development, promoting environmentally friendly activities and practices, in balance with social responsibility measures as well as contributing to the economy.
As such, and aware of the impact of its activities at a social, economic, and environmental levels, and in line with its objectives and strategies, the Bensaude Hotels Collection is committed to subscribing to a certification of Sustainability in Tourism.
Click here to find out more about our Sustainability Practices.
Travelife GOLD Certification
In September 2019, the Bensaude Hotels Collection obtained Travelife GOLD Certifications for its 8 hotel units, positioning itself as a pioneer in the Azores with this international certification.
Travelife is an internationally recognized accommodation sustainability program with a certification especially designed for the tourism industry by the GSTC – Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
It has more than 1,500 certified hotels in more than 50 countries. In mainland Portugal, there are 54 hotels with this certification – including Hotel Açores Lisboa – and in the Azores, the only 7 certified hotels are from the Bensaude Hotels Collection.
Travelife is a pioneer initiative in the certification of companies in the field of tourism, committed to contributing to sustainable development, socially, economically and environmentally.
The Travelife GOLD certificate is given to businesses that demonstrate their performance in various areas:
- Minimizing environmental impact
- Improving economic and social engagement
- Respect and protect Human Rights and Labor conditions
- Protection of biodiversity
'WE CARE' Certification
On December 21st 2021, the Bensaude Hotels Collection obtained another distinction in the area of sustainability, the Environmental Sustainability 'WE CARE' Seal, as part of the initiative promoted by AHP – Hotel Association of Portugal.
This distinction falls under the HOSPES program, which aims to recognize tourism units that stand out for their policies and good environmental sustainability practices.
The Environmental Sustainability 'WE CARE' Seal is delivered to companies committed to implementing evaluation procedures, risk and environmental impact prevention and reduction; use of "environmentally friendly" technologies and services; energy efficiency programs; prevention, reduction and reuse of water and encouraging water conservation and promoting its reuse and recycling.
Since 2015, the Bensaude Hotels Collection has been awarded the Environmental Sustainability 'WE CARE' Seal for continuing its environmental sustainability policy. The 'WE CARE' seal also recognizes the organization’s principles that support a management that integrates environmental responsibility, fundamental for sustained company growth.
The 'WE CARE' seal validates once again the Bensaude Hotels Collection’s dedication and commitment to sustainable environmental growth.
Sustainability Reports BHC
| Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Terra Nostra Garden Hotel | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Hotel Marina Atlântico | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| São Miguel Park Hotel | n/a | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| NEAT Hotel Avenida | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Terceira Mar Hotel | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Hotel do Canal | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Hotel Açores Lisboa | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
Azores
The first archipelago in the world to be certified as a sustainable tourism destination
The Azores are the first archipelago in the world to be certified as an "EarthCheck Sustainable Destination". This certification was given during the GSTC - Global Sustainable Tourism Council conference which took place on Terceira Island in December, 2019.
The Azorean Government, in partnership with the community and tourism industry, has made a commitment to preserve its rich culture and marine ecosystems and be recognized worldwide as a sustainable destination for vacation, business and lifestyle.
