The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport said today in Vila do Porto that the development of a tourist destination "requires the full coordination of efforts between public and private entities."

Speaking to journalists after meeting with a group of local youngsters, who wish to implement and formalise a "Great Route" on Santa Maria, Vítor Fraga considered that this project is the evidence of "this joint effort." The government official added that it may rely on "the support of the Azorean Government as it actively contributes to the enhancement of tourism on the island of Santa Maria."

The Secretary for Tourism underlined that this project "falls within the Government's strategy to improve our tourism offer with the aim of boosting the unique features of each of our islands, which will be primarily disseminated in the external markets."

The "Great Trail," which is currently at the development stage, will be supported by the Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism and Transport. The latter will provide support to the definition of trails and the respective maintenance.

Vítor Fraga expects that the "'Great Trail' be approved at "meeting to be held by the Monitoring Committee of Trails in September. Should it be approved, the trail may be included, already this year, in the tourism offer provided by the island of Santa Maria."

During the morning, the Regional Secretary also visited the Vila do Porto Marina, where the Regional Government carried out some interventions to "improve the services provided to maritime tourism activities."

"This is one of the most relevant activities on Santa Maria, being also a tourism product. In this context, special emphasis should be given to diving activities, which are a reference to the Region," stressed Vítor Fraga.