The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport stated in Horta that the Sea Week is a reference in nautical festivals held in Portugal. It plays an important role in the promotion of the Azores in nautical tourism, an area where the Region aspires to become a reference at an international level.
"It may not be the biggest nautical festival in the country, but is certainly the best nautical festival in the country. Otherwise, it would not have been possible to organise this event for over 40 years," said Vítor Fraga, who spoke Saturday at the prize-delivery ceremony held under the Sea Week.
 
In his speech, Vítor Fraga highlighted the "effort, dedication and quality" in the organisation of the event. According to him, the Sea Week "provides a decisive contribution to promote the Region "not only Faial, in particular, but also the Azores, in general, in the nautical tourism segment; the latter is regarded as fundamental in the political strategy for the sector."
 
"We have embraced this goal. We want to make the Azores an international reference in the field of nautical tourism in a maximum period of 10 years and we are working to achieve this goal," the Regional Secretary for Tourism said, mentioning that the Region works with goals clearly defined by the Strategic Marketing Plan of the Azores Tourism.
 
In this regard, Vítor Fraga considered that the Sea Week "plays an important role, either in the promotion of the Region or in the enhancement of the tourism offer." The government official also highlighted that the activities developed during this event provide "a relevant contribution in the improvement of the tourist experience of all those visiting the Azores."
 
Moreover, he pointed out the activities developed "in one of the most beautiful bays in the world," stressing the need to build and improve "what we have" so that the Azores can be more competitive in the "most competitive sectors in the world," as is tourism.
 
The Regional Secretary also addressed a word of recognition to the volunteers who contribute to the success of the Sea Week, highlighting the importance of these events in the revitalisation of local economies and the generation of wealth.
 
"This is what these events are for. This is the reason why the Government of the Azores has joined Clube Naval da Horta (nautical club) and Horta City Hall in the organisation of the Sea Week and will continue to do so," said the government official. In this context, he defended the need to boost "this festival of reference to Faial Island and the Region, given the importance of high-season events."
 
Vítor Fraga congratulated the work of public and private entities that have jointly organised the festival for four decades, conveying his belief that the next edition of the Sea Week "will be even better than this year's."