The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stated today that the Regional Government, as part of the structuring of the tourism sector, is implementing a pioneering project that aims to install, in a first phase, 17 panels containing information on paragliding take-off and landing points on the island of São Miguel in the 11 existing flight locations. 

Marta Guerreiro spoke in Sete Cidades after the presentation of this project, stressing the placement of the information panel in one of the emblematic flight zones of São Miguel Island. 

"This is a project carried out in partnership with the Asas de São Miguel Club that also deserves the approval of the Portuguese Free Flight Federation, seeing that this is the first to be implemented nationwide," stressed the government official. 

According to the government official, “these panels provide important information to paragliding practitioners, namely about take-off and landing places, thus contributing to the regulation of this activity. They also intend to ensure that the stages of the flight are carried out in a safe way, while preventing the invasion of protected or more environmentally sensitive areas." 

"They can also find information on coordinates, airspace, emergency contacts and the code of good conduct, which, among other aspects, calls for the respect and good use of the private land sometimes used in this activity," added the government official. 

The Secretary for Tourism stressed that “some of these sites are made available by the goodwill and collaboration of private pasture owners who allow paragliders to take off and land safely in their lands. This is a good example of the hospitality of the Azorean people who wants to share what is most beautiful with those who visit us, highlighting the harmony between local people and visitors.” 

The identification of these places with these panels will also provide information to the population about the existence of places for the practice of an unusual activity, alerting them to the need to respect its practitioners.

According to Marta Guerreiro, “this is an ongoing effort that begins on the island of São Miguel, but there are prospects to extend it to all islands where paragliding is practised." 

The Regional Secretary explained that a paragliding microsite is being developed in conjunction with the Azores Tourism Association. According to her, “it will support the promotion of the Azores as an ideal destination for paragliding ans will also contribute to the preparation of a flight, providing all the information that any paraglider considers essential.” 

Marta Guerreiro stressed that this activity is aligned with PEMTA - Strategic and Marketing Plan for the Azores Tourism, which “can be enhanced” through this project. It also will contribute to the qualification of paragliding in the Azores and, accordingly, “attract more practitioners" as the archipelago has “safe places full of stunning and varied landscapes.”