"Kitesurf Odyssey is an event that reflects the feelings of those who seek a unique and active nature destination such as the Azores," says Marta Guerreiro
The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism considered that sports events such as Kitesurf Odyssey are a true example of experiences that enhance the image of the Azores as a tourist destination based on active nature, to which we should add up all the activities focused on the sea.
Marta Guerreiro spoke this morning in Ponta Delgada at the start of Kitesurf Odyssey, an event that aims to connect the Azores to Mainland Portugal through kitesurfing. Participants are expected to arrive in Lisbon between September 8 and 14, depending on the meteorological conditions during the course, namely wind and sea sate.
"The challenge posed to us today will connect the Azores to Mainland Portugal through kitesurfing, covering an extension of more than 1500 kilometres of the Atlantic Ocean. This is a true odyssey full of adventure and will be crowned with success as the event will set a new world record," stressed the Secretary for Tourism.
"In recent years, the Azores destination has reinforced its identity as a tourist destination based on activities that promote the enjoyment of the Region's environmental, cultural and social heritage. The archipelago has been able to position itself favourably in important tourism markets as well as in segments of demand that wish to meet their aspirations in terms of contact with nature and people," said Marta Guerreiro.
"In this regard, it is interesting to note that the team of sailors is composed of a Portuguese member and a German member; both are world record holder in kitesurfing. They represent, precisely, the most important tourism markets for the Azores destination (about 60% of overnight stays in the first half of 2017). The event will further project these markets since it will be covered by the media and social platforms, in addition to a wide world coverage given its nature," stressed the Regional Secretary.
"Regarding the experiences provided by the archipelago, it is important to evidence the wide range of tourist entertainment activities that are already distinguishes our destination, through several tourism products (pedestrian walks, cetacean observation, fauna and flora observation with special emphasis on birdwatching, diving, cycling, wave sports, etc.). There are other events that contribute to the promotion of the Azores as an increasingly contemporary and, sometimes, avant-garde Region, such as the case of Kitesurf Odyssey," noted the government official.
Marta Guerreiro took the opportunity to highlight that the growth levels registered in the sector will remain high, seeing that "the Azores, as a tourist destination, are perfectly positioned in the tourism segment that has registered one of the fastest growth worldwide: adventure tourism and active nature tourism, combined with high standards of environmental and social responsibility, and which seek for high levels of well-being and tranquillity."