The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport stressed the importance of the concerted promotion of events in order to increase tourism flows to the Azores. These efforts, which started about a year ago, have already began to show results.

Speaking at the opening of the 30th "Maré de Agosto" Festival, Vítor Fraga revealed that this strategy has contributed to an increase of 23% in the number of passengers transported this year to Santa Maria by SATA and Atlânticoline in the context of this festival.

"This does not come by chance; it is the result of the efforts towards the promotion and organisation of the festival," stressed the Regional Secretary. In this regard, the government official reminded that these events are relevant from the standpoint of tourism policies if they are effectively disseminated and contribute to the increase of tourism flows to the Region.

The Regional Secretary reminded that he announced at the opening of "Maré de Agosto" Festival last year that the Azores Tourism would promote, through concerted efforts, the main events held in the Azores among the main tourism markets, such as this festival.

"These efforts are being carried out since the "Maré de Agosto" festival is an event of reference and a valuable asset for the promotion of tourism. In fact, this festival of national and international reference has the potential to increase tourism flows in the Region as well as to boost local economy, which is one of the major goals of our tourism policy," said Vítor Fraga.
According to him, "the Region should promote itself by highlighting the unique features of the best we have to offer on each island."

In his speech, Vítor Fraga also pointed out the importance of the new model regulating the accessibility to the Region. It follows the amendments to the public service obligations for air transport, being an important factor to the increase of tourism flows.

"There will be a new reality, starting from the next IATA summer," said the Regional Secretary. However, the new challenges should be faced "as an opportunity to boost tourism flows" on all islands.

"We took a very important step in one of our priorities, but we must implement effective measures to foster the adoption of this paradigm at the level of accessibility," said Vítor Fraga.
The Regional Secretary stated that both public and private entities should use new technologies in order to reach new segments on the market. According to him, "we now have the conditions to increase tourism flows, which will decisively reduce the effects of seasonality."

In this regard, the government official stressed the tourist potential of Santa Maria, which saw an increase in number of passengers by 56% between January and June this year. In addition, its weekly flight connections to Lisbon will duplicate with the implementation of the new air transport model.