The eyes of the surfing world are undoubtedly going to be homing in on the excellent waves the Peniche Peninsula has to offer the sport's many followers, who will be watching the competition both at the venue and across the world, given the event’s media coverage.

The Government has been focusing on the organisation of major international events in our country as a means of boosting tourism and making Portugal better known as a destination to potential overseas visitors.

The hosting of this event in Oeste, the country's western region, is particularly significant, since it will help to promote and enhance a region whose potential has resulted in the Government identifying it in the National Strategic Tourism Plan as a new focal point for tourism.

I am sure that Peniche, which is known as the "Wave Capital" thanks to its excellent conditions for surfing, will be staging a top quality event, helping to impress upon everyone that the Portuguese coast is unrivalled the world over as a water sports destination.

I should like to take the opportunity to wish the organisers, competitors and visitors a wonderful stay in our country.
                                                                              
Bernardo Trindade - Secretary of State for Tourism