The Regional Director for Tourism stated in Horta that the Azores have become a "destination of choice" for those who love the sea and activities related to the sea, such as whale watching, diving, sailing and wave sports.
 
Cíntia Martins spoke at the opening session of Ecotur 2018 Conference, emphasising that these products "have contributed to international distinctions, such as the Quality Coast award. It has distinguished the archipelago for several years, raising the Azores to prominence as a sustainable coastal destination."
 
"The Government has greatly invested in nautical tourism in recent years due to its high potential for growth, taking into account the characteristics, size and geographic location of the archipelago. The advantages offered by archipelago are visible in terms of its huge potential for activities related to the sea, namely maritime tourism activities, recreational boating and sailing, cruise tourism, coastal tourism. Moreover, the Region is also a privileged place for the organisation of international water and wave sports and diving events," said the government official.
 
In this regard, Cíntia Martins highlighted the island of Faial and the city of Horta, in particular, for playing "a very special role in its centuries-old relation with the sea, which is of strategic importance as a tourism resource in comparison with other islands."
 
"Driven by the unprecedented dynamics of the Azores tourism, Faial is, more than ever, an island tailored for activities related to the sea, namely in terms of nautical and coastal tourism," said the Regional Director. As she also mentioned, Horta was also "raised to worldwide prominence in international circuits as a mandatory reference point for North American yachting."
 
Cíntia Martins congratulated the City Council of Horta for joining the ECOTUR project and the European Odyssea Network as well as for Horta's distinction with the "Odyssea City" seal. On the occasion, she considered that these "initiatives, from the standpoint of sustainability and tourism promotion, will certainly contribute to the economic development of Faial Island, while increasing the international visibility of Horta as a destination for coastal and maritime tourism.