The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport emphasised today the "great confidence" revealed by businesspeople operating in the maritime tourism sector regarding its development.

"I had the opportunity of noting the atmosphere of confidence among entrepreneurs regarding the development of the sector and its expected growth in the future," said Vítor Fraga at the end of a meeting with Graciosa businesspeople that took place under the Government's Statutory Visit to this island.

Vítor Fraga emphasised the "significant weight" of maritime tourism activities on Graciosa, stressing the relevance of the organisation of events such as the 1st European Underwater Photography Championship on this island for the promotion of tourism.

"In order to show the best we have to offer, the event will certainly provide unforgettable images depicting the perfect symbiosis between Human Beings and Nature to all those who visit us as well as to those who will have the opportunity of visiting them in the future," stressed the government official.

"Diving is a key product for the development of Graciosa as a tourist destination, added Vítor Fraga. The government official added that "we have met all the conditions to assure the successful organisation of this event and under the highest safety conditions."

According to the Regional Secretary, "we are all aware of the need to comply with everything that has been defined," so that may have "an even better destination that creates trust and a successful destination with future."

Vítor Fraga also highlighted the joint efforts and the work carried out in partnership between the Government of the Azores and the private sector "in order to further consolidate the Azores destination." As he defended, our destination "cannot not close in on itself; it should be a driving force towards the development of other sectors of activity."