The Regional Director for Tourism pointed out the importance of organising the 1st International Canyoning in the Azores Meeting to reinforce the projection of the Azores as a Nature Tourist Destination.

Speaking at the opening session of this event on Sunday, João Bettencourt stressed that Canyoning "is another product that will enrich the archipelago's tourism offer, insofar as it provides a close contact with nature for all those who have an adventurous spirit, offering unique and unforgettable experiences in a special place such as the archipelago of the Azores."

The Regional Director noted that the tourism sector in the Azores "depends on the excellence of their natural resources, where many economic activities are developed taking into consideration the principle of sustainable development".

"This is the message that the Government has passed over the years to industry partners. Nowadays, the Azores are internationally recognised as a Nature Tourism destination of excellence," João Bettencourt said, reminding the Quality Coast Platinum Award that was recently awarded to the Azores.

Organised in partnership with the Azores Tourism Association and the Desnível Association, the 1st International Canyoning in the Azores Meeting will run on the island of Flores until October 4; it brings together 120 participants from various countries.