The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport said stated in Velas, São Jorge, that tourism and culture are areas that should complement each other in order to enhance their potentialities, which will bring benefits for both sectors.

"I have always advocated that tourism and culture are concepts and practices that complement each other in several areas. Indeed, they congregate several common goals," Vítor Fraga said, speaking at the opening session of the 27th Velas Cultural Week.

Vítor Fraga stressed that this formula has been adopted by cultural tourism throughout the world, pointing out that this event is an example that demonstrates how islander heritage can be promoted through artistic and cultural events.

The Regional Secretary stated that tourism should, whenever possible, join the promotion of cultural values and regional cultural identity in various aspects, from historical centres to traditions, museums, cultural spaces, music, handicrafts and local cuisine.

"Velas Cultural Week is one of our major assets at this level of cultural tourism," said Vítor Fraga. In this context, "the firm belief that should be used to promote São Jorge Island, in particular, and the Azores, in general, among the main tourism markets, as it happens with other renowned festivals" taking place in the archipelago.

In this context, the government official stressed the potential of events such as Velas Cultural Week to attract tourism flows to the Region.

"I am sure that everyone will agree with me if I say that the enhancement of tourism offer in the Azores is fundamental to us," said Vítor Fraga. In this context, the government official reminded that, over its 27 years of existence, this event has been an appealing programme not only for the internal market but also for external markets.

"Therefore, we need to further leverage our tourism potential, our geographical specificities as well as our environmental and cultural diversity," stressed the Regional Secretary. Vítor Fraga called for the creativity of all parties involved for the development of "an even more comprehensive in the Azores involving the participation of all parties, thus bringing together all the living forces of our islands." One must take into consideration that all public and private entities play in the promotion of the archipelago's tourism offer.

Moreover, Vítor Fraga called for the promotion of more tourist activities, which he considered to be a differentiating factor that will enhance the quality standards of regional offer.

"We aim to achieve a level of development that is further inspired on the interaction of tourists with the Azorean people as well as with our diversified heritage and culture. In this context, we also rely on the contribution provided by small traditional shops," said the government official.
 
"We want to instil a greater dynamics in our municipalities so that they better receive those who visit us, said Vítor Fraga. The government official confirmed the Regional Government's availability for this joint effort, which requires the commitment of all institutions and of all islands in order to create a cultural offer that allows to bring out the identity of the Azores, not only for its specificities but also by the experiences they provide to visitors.