The company, which received another ‘World’s Leading Conservation Company’ award in Funchal, on the island of Madeira, thus sees “the excellence of its work once again internationally acclaimed with this prestigious trophy”, we read in a statement from the public capital conservation company.
The World Travel Awards, created in 1993, are considered internationally the ‘Oscars of tourism’ and “recognised worldwide as a seal of quality, which is why they constitute one of the most prestigious distinctions for companies in the sector”, in the various categories , chosen “through online voting by sector operators and the general public”, highlights the note sent to Lusa.
The president of the board of directors of the Parques de Sintra-Monte da Lua (PSML), who received the award during the gala evening, considered that continuing to win the World Travel Awards as “Best company in the world in conservation” after 12 consecutive years “is only possible in a successful project, where knowledge and professionalism, in an area of great cultural sensitivity, are a lever to do better in the next project”.
“This work, constantly recognized at a national and international level, has allowed, in the last 10 years, more than 25 million people to purchase tickets to visit the cultural and natural heritage that we manage”, said Sofia Cruz, quoted in the note .
In this period, explains the manager, “investments of 40 million euros were made thanks to the virtuous circle that characterizes the company’s pioneering management model, focused on the ability of the assets to generate revenues which are then reinvested in their recovery and maintenance” .
“These are facts that demonstrate that we are on the right path, which is why we plan to invest another approximately 30 million euros in the future in valorising the assets entrusted to us, always with the same rigor and with the same ability to innovate that has raised us to the point of world reference in our sector”, he added.
The company highlighted the prominence that Portugal has had in recent years at the World Travel Awards, winning awards in several categories, which “reflect not only the growth of tourism in the country, but also the high quality of its offering”.
PSML is a publicly held company created in 2000, following the classification of the Sintra Cultural Landscape as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
It manages the park and the National Palace of Pena, the Chalet da Condessa d’Edla, the National Palaces of Sintra and Queluz, the Castle of the Moors, the Palace and Gardens of Monserrate, the Capuchin Convent and the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art.
The shareholders of the company are the Directorate General of the Treasury and Finance (representing the State), the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF), Turismo de Portugal and the City Council of Sintra (Lisbon district), and does not use the State Budget, guaranteeing the recovery and maintenance of the assets it manages through revenues from box offices, shops, canteens and rental of spaces for events.
How does Sofia Cruz envision the future of conservation tourism in light of ongoing environmental challenges?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Sofia Cruz, President of Parques de Sintra-Monte da Lua
Time.news Editor: Good day, Sofia! Congratulations on receiving the prestigious ‘World’s Leading Conservation Company’ award once again. It must be quite an honor for you and your team. How does it feel to win this accolade for the 12th consecutive year?
Sofia Cruz: Thank you! It’s truly an honor and a source of immense pride for us at Parques de Sintra-Monte da Lua. Winning this award repeatedly reflects our commitment to excellence and the collective effort of our dedicated team. Each year we strive to improve and innovate in our conservation practices, and this recognition validates our hard work.
Time.news Editor: The World Travel Awards are often referred to as the ‘Oscars of tourism.’ How does winning an award of this caliber impact your organization’s credibility and visibility on the international stage?
Sofia Cruz: Winning such a prestigious award significantly enhances our credibility, both among stakeholders and the general public. It positions us as leaders in conservation tourism, inspiring confidence in our projects. Moreover, it attracts more visitors to our sites, enriching their experience with our cultural and natural heritage while driving awareness of the importance of conservation.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned that your success is the result of a successful project and professional knowledge. Can you elaborate on some of the strategies you employ to maintain and elevate the standard of conservation at your sites?
Sofia Cruz: Absolutely! Our pioneering management model is crucial. We focus on creating a virtuous circle: our assets generate revenue, which we then reinvest into their preservation and enhancement. Over the last decade, we have invested €40 million into various initiatives. Additionally, we foster partnerships with local communities and experts to ensure our practices are culturally sensitive and grounded in best practices.
Time.news Editor: Impressive! You also noted that more than 25 million people have visited your sites in the last ten years. How do you ensure that these visits contribute positively to both the visitors’ experiences and the conservation efforts?
Sofia Cruz: We prioritize visitor education, providing them with the information needed to appreciate the cultural and historical significance of our sites. By creating immersive experiences and interpretation programs, we engage our visitors actively, making them feel a part of the conservation process. This not only enhances their experience but also cultivates a sense of stewardship among them.
Time.news Editor: Given the ongoing challenges of climate change and the impact of tourism on natural sites, how does Parques de Sintra-Monte da Lua adapt its strategies to address these issues?
Sofia Cruz: Climate change poses significant challenges, but it also presents opportunities for innovation. We continuously monitor environmental conditions and adapt our management strategies accordingly. This includes implementing sustainable practices, such as renewable energy use and waste reduction, to minimize our footprint. Additionally, we engage in advocacy to raise awareness about conservation, pushing for broader policies that protect our natural heritage.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like you have a comprehensive approach to both conserving and promoting your sites. Looking forward, what are your aspirations for Parques de Sintra-Monte da Lua in the coming years?
Sofia Cruz: Our aspiration is to remain at the forefront of conservation while being a model for others to follow. We want to continue innovating, enhancing visitor engagement, and ensuring that our heritage sites are preserved for future generations. Ultimately, our goal is to create a lasting impact that resonates beyond our sites and inspires others globally to cherish and protect their own cultural and natural treasures.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Sofia! It has been enlightening to hear about your experiences and the incredible work that you and your team are doing. We look forward to seeing how Parques de Sintra-Monte da Lua continues to evolve in the future.
Sofia Cruz: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to share our journey with you.