Azores Trail Run is "important event for dynamics of local economy," says Regional Director for Tourism
The Regional Director for Tourism stated in Horta that the fifth edition of Azores Trail Run is an event of great importance for the local economy, in addition to being "a classic of regional sporting events."
Filipe Macedo spoke at the presentation of Azores Trail Run, an event involving hundreds of participants from 30 countries that runs on the islands of Pico and Faial on May 25 and 26. The ceremony was attended by the Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism, Marta Guerreiro.
As Filipe Macedo emphasised, the island of Faial, in particular, benefits from a "very relevant dynamics" in terms of its economic fabric, with a "clear impact on the activities of companies in the hotel, catering and tourist entertainment sectors."
According to him, we are starting to feel "the thrilling emotions of those who are about to participate in this trail race." In this context, the government official highlighted "the mobilisation of the entire organisation that has managed to make the Azores a privileged place for the practice of Trail Run. This is an anchor event with a high level of promotion," contributing to the international projection of the destination.
"The Azores Trail Run comprises seven races, one on Pico - the vertical race to the mountain - and the remaining on Faial. I must say we are satisfied that the Whalers Grand Route has been include in the discovery race category of the ultra-trail world circuit," noted Filipe Macedo.
According to the Regional Director, "this is another milestone in the importance of the Whalers Grand Route. It is now part of five discovery races, along with two in China, one in Finland and one in Poland."
In his speech, the government official also highlighted that athletes will have the opportunity to "know with little-known areas, which is another way of discovering the Region's natural heritage, namely several areas within Faial Natural Park. In 2016, it was the recipient of the EDEN award (European Destinations of Excellence) in the "Experience in Nature" category.
"Besides the events taking place on Faial, Pico and São Jorge, there are other initiatives to be held on Santa Maria and Flores. The trail competitions contribute to the discovery of new trails throughout the archipelago. Moreover, they are also a tourism product with special impact on our Region, already distinguished as sustainable tourist destination through various awards of excellence," stated Filipe Macedo.