The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport stated today that the surf events are "strategic for the Region," thus "highlighting the Azores not only as a surfing destination but also as a nature sports destination," where visitors can "enjoy unique moments."
 
Therefore, Vítor Fraga stressed that the Azores Airlines Pro and Vissla World Junior Championships "clearly respond to the strategic orientations of the Government for the support and promotion of this type of events in the Region."
 
"On the one hand, they actively contribute to the increase of tourism flows and, on the other hand, they contribute the promotion of the Region with the main tourism markets," stressed the government official.
 
The Regional Secretary spoke at the presentation of two sports event. On the occasion, he mentioned that Azores Airlines Pro involves the presence of about 400 people, including athletes and the people accompanying them. In turn, the Vissla World Juniors Championship brings to 800 people to the Azores, including athletes and the respective delegations, "which clearly demonstrates the ability of these events in attracting tourism flows to the Region."
 
With regard to the promotion of destination, and specifically the Azores Airlines Pro, Vítor Fraga pointed out that it corresponds to "more than 38 hours of television broadcast on Sport TV for the domestic market, live broadcast on Time Warner in the USA, Canada and Hawaii, reaching more than 42 million homes. The event will be also broadcast in Australia and Brazil on ESPN television channel, in addition to being covered online on the WSL website; the latter has the potential to reach eight million viewers and 4.5 viewers through social networks."
 
With regard to Vissla World Juniors Championship, the Secretary for Tourism folder recalled the "challenge and the clear commitment made by the Government of the Azores."
 
"When we discussed the possibility of organising this event in our Region, there was also the possibility of turning surf into an Olympic sport, despite uncertainties about this at the time. However, he have taken risks with the strong belief in the potentialities of our Region and, taking advantage of the good relations with several entities, either public or private, we have decided to move forward with the organisation of the event," said the government official.
 
"The competition brings athletes from 40 countries and many of them will be competing for the medals in the next Olympics. This will certain enhance our projection and promote us in a very positive in their countries, not only in the promotion of the Region as a surfing destination but also in the increase of tourism flows," said the Regional Secretary.
 
Vítor Fraga emphasised that the Government of the Azores has "demonstrated a strategic vision and courage over the years to investment in areas whose success is now recognised, namely in sports activities linked to tourism and the main component of our destination: nature tourism."
 
In this regard, he pointed out, as example, surf, trail run and mountain biking, stressing that "this investment was made with the purpose of benefiting all entities, either public or private," said the Regional Secretary.