Galician Tourism Board Promotes Pantin Classic Galicia Pro in Tokyo - Japan

INSTITUTO CERVANTES, Tokyo/Japan (Friday, November 8, 2013) - The ASP Pantin Classic Galicia Pro, an event which has been held for nearly three decades, was today presented at the Instituto Cervantes by the Director General of Tourism in Galicia, Nava Castro, as part of a tourism promotion by the Galician Tourism Board to promote the region of Galicia, Spain as one of Europe's finest destinations for surfing, gastronomy and culture. The highlight of each year being the celebration of the ASP 6-Star Women's and ASP 3-Star Men's events in la playa de Pantin.

Nava Castro along with representatives from ASP Europe and ASP Japan in conjunction with Turkish Airlines and the organizers of the Pantin Classic Galicia Pro were delighted with the response from the Japanese media and public that attended the event's presentation in Tokyo.

We came here to promote Galicia as a surf destination where we celebrate the Pantin Classic Galicia Pro and from the Xunta de Galicia, Tourism and Sport we will continue to support the event', stated Castro. 'Also we wish to attract the maximum number of tourists who can enjoy surfing not only in Pantin but at one of our seventy noted surfing beaches.

'Extremely good', continued Castro in relation to the reception given in Japan and the interest shown by the national media. 'We have been treated very well and the interest is high and they have already begun discussions to organize trips with surfers to visit 'El Camino de Santiago' and our beaches.'

Pantin Classic Galicia Pro event organizer, Marcos Rodriguez, explained to the guests and media present the long heritage of surf in Galicia, its beautiful beaches and excellent quality waves along the Galician coast. The presence of Japanese surfers in Galicia is growing and Rodriguez hopes that promotions from the Galician Tourism Board of the event can continue to help its development. 'I see the future of the event very positive.' stated Rodriguez. 'Last year the 26th edition went very well and I think that with the continued support of Tourism Galicia and acts like this in Japan where we are promoting the event we will be able to increase the rating of the men's event in 2014 which has been a major goal for us.'

ASP Japan Regional Manager Toshi Omi spoke of the relationship between Japan and its surfers with Galicia and the Pantin Classic Galicia Pro whom for many years have supported the event with their presence and hopes that with added connection and support the relationship improves in the future.

'This is a very interesting act for ASP Japan with another region ASP Europe.' began Omi. 'I have very warm memories of the Spanish culture and hospitality shown in Galicia. I am thinking of taking my own family there next August. Our own Japanese professional surfers are going to Europe and doing a great job on the world tour.'

Rob Gunning, ASP Europe Tour Manager hopes that the future of this important event on the European schedule can consolidate itself to offer an incredible experience to the competing surfers as well as the many thousands of fans watching the event via the live webcast.

'The Pantin Classic Galicia Pro,' begun Gunning, 'is one of our most important events with its combined format of men and women. ASP Europe supports this project 100 and is working in collaboration with the event organizers to increase on all levels the quality of the event experience.'

The Pantin Classic Galicia Pro 2014 is scheduled from 26-31 August 2014 in la playa de Pantin, Galicia - Spain.