The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport will participate in the 1st National Congress on Rural Tourism. The event runs on June 20 and 21 in Oleiros in the district of Castelo Branco, where the government official will deliver a speech on rural tourism in the Azores, being a significant area in the regional tourism offer.

Vítor Fraga will mention the case of the Azores to the participants in this congress. By drawing the potentialities of their geographical dispersion, reduced urban fabric and unspoiled nature, the Azores have excellent conditions for rural tourism. The potentialities of this sector may be enhanced with the recent repositioning of the Region in the tourism market. In addition to the beautiful scenery, the Azores destination also aims to provide visitors with unforgettable experiences. In order to accomplish this goal, public and private entities join efforts.

Vítor Fraga will speak on the first of the congress works, which will be followed by a debate with tourism representatives, including ATA - Azores Tourism Association.

Currently, rural tourism represents a significant part of the regional tourism offer and has become one the major driving forces in regional development.

The 1st National Congress on Rural Tourism aims to discuss and analyse the constraints and challenges the sector is facing as well as the strategies to promote the sector's growth. In addition to providing complementary activities to the "sun and beach" tourism segment, rural tourism is also a driving force that stimulates the development of rural areas.

The meeting will bring together representatives of regional and national entities, tourism promotion agencies, entrepreneurs and scholars, among other participants. The event is jointly organised by the Portuguese Rural Tourism Federation, Centro de Portugal Tourism, Municipality of Oleiros, Naturtejo Geo.Park, Geopark Network and the Portuguese Geoparks Network.