Between 7 and 9 May 2025, a dedicated training and stakeholder meeting was organised in the Azores, bringing together professionals from the maritime and tourism sectors of Faial and Pico islands, within the framework of the ecoRoute project.
This informal training, primarily addressed to tourism companies and diving centres, was coordinated by José Bettencourt (UNL / Associação de Turismo Sustentável do Faial / Centre for Humanities and National Centre for Nautical and Underwater Archaeology), in collaboration with project partners.
The main objective was to explore the historical value and tourism potential of two key underwater cultural and natural heritage sites highlighted by ecoRoute: Main (Faial Island) and Caroline (Pico Island). The programme combined a theoretical component, where participants gained insights into shipwreck research and submerged heritage, with a practical component, including two dives—one at each site.
The meeting also initiated a broader discussion on how these sites can be promoted in a sustainable and attractive way, addressing key questions such as the type of visitor experience to be developed, target audiences, and the creation of relevant content and interpretive materials. These discussions will continue in upcoming project meetings.
The training was supported by the Escola do Mar dos Açores, contributing to the success of this collaborative initiative.
Through activities like this, ecoRoute continues to strengthen local capacity, foster stakeholder engagement, and promote sustainable approaches to underwater cultural heritage and diving tourism.
