The Regional Director for Tourism stressed today the impetus provided by the Regional Government in 2010 with the creation of the Azores Geopark Association. Since then, "the awareness raising actions and initiatives aimed at the preservation and promotion of the archipelago's geological heritage have multiplied."

Speaking at the opening session of the workshop "Geoparks in Volcanic Regions: sustainable development strategies," held on the Island of Terceira, João Bettencourt underlined that all work done "is the result of a partnership between public and private entities. In 2013, it allowed the Azores Geopark to become a member of the European Global Geoparks Network, being a major world reference in terms of Geopreservation and Geotourism."

In his speech, the Regional Director noted that nature plays a key role in the archipelago "not only for the natural landscapes, but also for the possibility of offering varied and unforgettable experiences." Accordingly, the Azores "have become a tourist destination that is increasingly sought after by those who enjoy a close contact with nature and value the true concept of sustainability."

"The fact that we are organising this important international event in the Azores, disseminated throughout the global network of Geoparks, is a unique opportunity to promote the best we have in the area of Geotourism, especially in Nature Tourism, stressed João Bettencourt.