The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport announced in Ponta Delgada that the Azores will host five cycling events in 2016, which make up the Cyclin'Azores Programme.
Speaking at the presentation of the Azores MTB Marathon 2015, which takes place this weekend, Vítor Fraga noted that "cycling is a growing activity, as recognised by the very World Tourism Organisation; hence it is necessary to create the conditions for the development this tourism product and its qualification."
"This effort has to be jointly carried out between several entities," the Regional Secretary said, adding that an agreement with the Cycling Association of the Azores for the development and implementation of Cyclin'Azores will be established as early as 2016.
"Cyclin'Azores" is a programme to be developed by the Azores Cycling Association in conjunction with the Portuguese Cycling Federation. It features several competitions, including a four-day competition to be held on Faial and Pico in May; a four-day national competition to take place on S. Miguel in June; a three-day national competition on Terceira in July; the Azores MTB Marathon World Series to be held on S. Miguel in October 2015 and 2016 and the Azores Granfondo, an event open to the public in general to be held on several islands. Next year, the Azores Granfondo will be organised on the island of Pico.
"I think it is clear that this is an investment, not only for the present time but also for the future, being in line with the Government's strategies for the organisation and support of events." It is important to promote "the consolidation of these events in order maximise the economic return of the investments made," said Vítor Fraga.
The Regional Secretary also stated that the Azores MTB World Marathon Series is an event that falls within the strategy set by the Government of the Azores for the promotion of events with two clear goals: the increase of tourism flows associated with certain events and the promotion of the Region.
"This event is part of the Regional Government's strategy to build a sustainable tourist destination and a successful tourist destination," said Vítor Fraga.
For the Secretary for Tourism, this "is an event that clearly seizes the potentialities of nature in order to boost the development of a tourism product with clear expansion possibilities in the archipelago."
Next year, this competition will be included in the Portuguese Marathon Cup, which will increase the number of participants.
The Regional Secretary also praised the commitment of the Azores Cycling Association in the organisation of the MTB World Marathon Series and the recognition of the regional association by the International Cycling Union, which has set the date for next year's edition (October 2016 ).