The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport stated in Ribeira Grande that the Architecture Itinerary of the Azores will contribute to the dissemination of the Region, through the Internet, as a tourist destination where contemporary architecture also plays an important role.

Speaking Friday at the launch of the Architecture Itinerary site, Vítor Fraga pointed out that "it is clearly a tool for the promotion of tourism in the Region; it is also a tool for the promotion of quality, excellence and the work developed by architects in Azores, not only for those who live here, but also for those who create jobs in the Region."

The Regional Secretary also stressed the importance of the Architecture Itinerary of the Azores is available in digital format, given the increasing importance of online dissemination.

"With regard to the tourism sector, we cannot forget that the preponderance of digital channels is growing day by day and, nowadays, 76% of tourists who come to the Region gather information over the Internet" said the government official.

"If we look carefully into these tourists, we realise that, among those from the domestic market and the forest markets, more than 80% collects information over the Internet," said the Regional Secretary for Tourism.

Vítor Fraga considered that this tool may "enhance the increase of tourism flows that are naturally associated with a specific market niche, which, once again, demonstrates that the construction of a true tourist destination is made with contribution of all."

The Regional Secretary also stressed the "agreement on the positions regarding the importance of this project in particular as well as the role played by architects in the development of the Region and, specifically, in the development of tourism." The government official added that this "is clear evidence that all of us have greater responsibility in building a tourist destination."

Vítor Fraga also launched a challenge to the Portuguese Association of Architects, urging them to disseminate the Azores Itinerary among "similar professional associations throughout the world." The government official also announced that this Itinerary will also be featured on the most important site for the promotion of the Region - Visitazores.com - noting that the platform might even evolve into a mobile solution due to the growing preponderance of net access via a mobile device.