The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport said today at the start of SATA Airlines Azores Pro that the Azorean Government has "invested and encouraged the organisation of this type of events" as it considers that they have the potential of promoting our tourism destination abroad.

"The Government of the Azores has invested and encouraged the organisation of these events over the years because we believe they project our destination beyond borders, disseminating the best we have to offer, which is the perfect symbiosis between men and the sea," said Vítor Fraga.

The Regional Secretary spoke on Santa Bárbara beach in the city of Ribeira Grande, where he did the countdown and gave the starting signal to begin the Azorean stage of the World Surf Championship Tour, being once again considered a Prime event, with greater importance and increased attractiveness for surfers. Given its importance, this event has also gained visibility worldwide.

Speaking to journalists after the start of the first round of the competition, Vítor Fraga noted that the Prime status of this competition "boosts its international projection." The Regional Secretary revealed the television broadcast of the event "reaches to nearly 200 million cable television subscribers" and it is also broadcast on the Internet, which clearly evidences the projection and importance that such an event has to the Azores."

"Surf has been a continued commitment of the Government and, if it is up to us, it will continue to be so," said the government official.

SATA Airlines Azores Pro, which began this morning and runs until next Sunday, gathers 96 surfers on Santa Bárbara beach, including some of the world's top athletes.