This commitment by the Algarve region was reinforced during the World Travel Market, in London, where EDP Art Reef by Vhils received an award from the British Guild of Travel Writers (BGTW), for the innovation and artistic value of the underwater exhibition created by Vhils with 13 sculptures made from old factory parts, installed more than 10 metres deep off the coast of Albufeira.

Regarding this distinction from the association, which brings together media professionals and experts in creating content about travel and tourism, the president of Turismo do Algarve, André Gomes, highlighted the region's potential, declaring that, in the coming years, the region could become a top diving destination, “taking advantage of the unique heritage we have in this segment of nautical tourism.”

The biodiversity of the Pedra do Valado Marine Natural Park includes marine species of great ecological and economic value, such as groupers, octopuses and corals, which enrich the underwater experience.

In addition to the Pedra do Valado Marine Natural Park and the EDP Art Reef, the Algarve also has the Ocean Revival Underwater Park, off Portimão, which includes four sunken decommissioned navy ships, creating the largest artificial reef in the world and a habitat that attracts and sustains diverse marine life.

“With these three unique dive sites located within a radius of a few kilometres, the Algarve differentiates itself as a unique destination for the diving community, with an offer of underwater experiences that few destinations in the world can match”, concluded André Gomes.