The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism said it is not enough to talk about sustainable tourism, calling for practices and actions through a concerted path among all players in the sector for the responsible development in the Azores.
 
"Talking about growth requires that we take into account all aspects that allow the sustainability of the Azores as a unique and a strategic place on a permanent basis and a with a local vision on a global scale," said Marta Guerreiro, who spoke Friday at the opening of the 3rd "Feel Pico" Festival.
 
At a time when the World Year of Sustainable Tourism is being marked, Marta Guerreiro also participated in a gathering to discuss this subject. The government official stressed that "narrowing the barrier between local and global levels must always be a priority, not only of the Regional Government but also for all agents, public or private, so that they may project the Azores in an even wider context."
 
In her speech, the Regional Secretary stated that "the diversification of tourism products is fundamental for an increasingly sustainable destination."
 
"We have several activities on land and at sea that are consistent with the "certified by nature" label for which we are already known. Nevertheless, the establishment of specific routes for each island involving all sectors of activity is a priority for us," stressed the government official.
 
"In the specific case of Pico, we can highlight as primary products, in which we have been developing our strategic lines, activities such as whale watching, diving, sports fishing, boating, birdwatching, geotourism and pedestrian walks; the latter has a strong control over this powerful mountain," said the Secretary for Tourism. According to her, these nature-related products should be part of a more complex package of experiences to be experienced by tourists.
 
Marta Guerreiro also mentioned "the importance that cultural and gastronomy events, rooted in this unique concept of wine cellar, where is the art of welcoming is more important than making wine, represent for the dynamics of this island. Moreover, she mentioned the possibility of a cultural touring to the protected landscape of Pico vineyard culture, which is of great relevance, as it was classified as World Heritage by UNESCO.