The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stated on Graciosa that bathing areas in the Azores are a tourism product of great relevance for its diversity, representing a space of active enjoyment.
 
"It is a fact that the Azores are a privileged place for the practice of coastal tourism due to the variety areas, which include natural pools, beaches and bays that are a gateway to the leisure activities related to the sea, being a brand image for a destination such as the Azores," said Marta Guerreiro. She spoke at the end of a visit to Barro Vermelho Bathing Area under the Government's statutory visit to Graciosa island.
 
For his part, the Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology stressed that the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs "supported the redevelopment of this bathing area, an investment of around two thousand Euros intended to improve access conditions, safety and use. It contributes to the promotion of this area as a tourist attraction of Graciosa."
 
Gui Menezes also added that "bathing water monitoring programme started in May, which this year aims to collect and analyse more than half a thousand bathing water samples on all islands to guarantee their quality."
 
"This year, we identified 70 bathing waters, six more than last year. There are 34 bathing areas distinguished with the Blue Flag award, one of which is precisely the bathing area of Barro Vermelho," said the Regional Secretary.
 
The Azores have more than 150 bathing areas identified in the Coastal Area Management Plan - POOC, of which 130 are monitored by the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs.
 
"The Government of the Azores is committed to the consolidation of active nature tourism, in which the active enjoyment of natural spaces is a priority and coastal areas are, for example, the driving force in the development of activities such as whale watching, wave sports and diving. These activities grown significantly over recent years and, in the latter case, on Graciosa Island," said Marta Guerreiro.
 
Therefore, the Secretary for Tourism pointed out that "sea-related activities are of great importance for a tourist destination such as the Azores as are talking about islands located in the middle of the Atlantic, with high-quality waters; the potential of this immense resource is indisputable."