Nature tourism has been identified and defined as a priority product for tourism development in the Azores. It is a condition that takes on additional importance with the certification of the Region as a Sustainable Tourist Destination, making it essential that the development strategy of this sector is centred on the balance between the tourist potential of nature and the guarantee of good conditions for the preservation, protection and enjoyment of existing tourist and natural resources.

Therefore, the Regional Directorate for Tourism, aware of the growing importance of nature tourism for the sustainable development of the archipelago, has created a technical, logistical and operational structure for the management, maintenance and supervision of regional resources linked to nature tourism activities, such as the Regional Network of Hiking Trails and the Network of Cycle Trails and Cyclin' Azores Centres. This operational structure is the Nature Tourism Activities Support Centre.

The founding of the Nature Tourism Activities Support Centre represents a commitment to the enhancement and qualification of the Azores destination, thus reinforcing its position as a destination of excellence that stands out for the natural beauty of its landscapes, combined with sustainability, safety and the needs of tourists who are increasingly looking for authentic experiences and immersion in nature, with concern for the preservation of natural resources and respect for the socio-cultural authenticity of local communities.