Azores Situation Report Wednesday 6th December 2023
Azores are the best adventure destination in the world
The Azores have gained yet another recognition on the world tourist scene. The 2023 World Travel Awards awarded the Azores the title of Best Adventure Destination in the World, solidifying the unique position of this archipelago as a true paradise for lovers of exciting and unforgettable experiences.
The awards gala, often dubbed the “Oscars of Tourism”, took place on December 1st at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel, in Dubai.
“This global recognition is the icing on the cake, after the Azores consecutively won, in the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, the title of Best Adventure Destination in Europe.” According to Luis Capdeville, Executive Director of Visit Azores, “The Azores, by receiving this global distinction, assert themselves as an international icon on the tourist scene, offering a unique combination of activities and the emotion provided by their stunning landscapes.”
Trails and hiking routes are now the epicentres of an adventure recognized around the world. The exploration of caves and dormant volcanoes, the observation of cetaceans, among other activities in an immersive contact with nature that the Azores offer its visitors, moments of pure adventure, consolidating itself as a destination that transcends expectations and captivates hearts on a global scale . This title reinforces the position of the Azorean islands not only as a place of exceptional natural beauty, but also as a destination of choice for those seeking truly extraordinary experiences in the vast world of adventure tourism.
Earthquake measuring 2.2 on the Richter scale felt on Terceira Island.
An earthquake measuring 2.2 on the Richter scale was felt late Tuesday afternoon on the island of Terceira, in the Azores, reported the Azores Seismo-volcaeic Information and Surveillance Centre (CIVISA).
According to CIVISA, the event was felt at 6:33 pm, with the epicentre approximately four kilometres from São Mateus, on the island of Terceira.
The earthquake measuring 2.2 on the Richter scale “is part of the ongoing seismo-volcaeic crisis on the island of Terceira since June 2022”.
The earthquake was felt with maximum intensity IV on the Modified Mercalli Scale in the parishes of São Mateus and São Bartolomeu, in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo.
According to the Richter scale, earthquakes are classified according to their magnitude as micro (less than 2.0), very small (2.0-2.9), small (3.0-3.9), slight (4 ,0-4.9), moderate (5.0-5.9), strong (6.0-6.9), large (7.0-7.9), important (8.0-8.9 ), exceptional (9.0-9.9) and extreme (when higher than 10).
The Mercalli scale has 12 levels, between imperceptible and almost total damage.