The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stated in Ponta Delgada that the "My Azores, My Love" programme develops the internal tourism segment as one more way to recognise the archipelago's tourism potential in the community.
 
"This is a true way to instil a feeling towards the recognition of the archipelago's tourism potential in its community, a strategy that the Regional Government has been developing in recent years," said Marta Guerreiro. She spoke Thursday at João Paulo II Airport before the departure of the first 2018 group travelling under that senior tourism programme.
 
"The fact that we are an archipelago cannot be an obstacle to this goal and, therefore, the promotion of internal tourism increases the sense of belonging. Moreover, it promotes different experiences for residents, allowing them to enjoy the products that each island has to offer, which have been highlighted in the national and international scene," added Marta Guerreiro.
 
The Regional Secretary stated that the expectations regarding the "My Azores, My Love" programme are "high," recalling that "the applications submitted in previous years continue to exceed the stipulated vacancies."
 
"This is evidenced by the enthusiasm of the 30 participants who are about to travel to the island of Santa Maria," added the government official.
 
For 2018, this senior tourism programme will include 30 groups, involving more than 1,000 people. It represents nearly 6,000 overnight stays distributed throughout all islands of the archipelago.
 
The Secretary for Tourism made a positive assessment of the 2017 edition, through which "about 1,000 people had the opportunity to travel."
 
"As for the preference for the islands of destination, Flores, Graciosa and Santa Maria registered the highest number of visitors, which also explains the fact that this year's edition includes six groups that will visit these islands," said the government official.
 
Marta Guerreiro pointed out that "this initiative boosts the regional economy in the low and medium season, namely in the hotel and restaurant sectors." In fact, it is a "true success as a measure to mitigate seasonality" by stimulating internal demand during periods of reduced tourist activity.
 
Created in 2014, the senior tourism programme designated as "My Azores, My Love" is a partnership between the Regional Secretariats for Social Solidarity and for Energy, Environment and Tourism. It is aimed at Azorean residents over 60 years of age, who will have the possibility to benefit from full travel packages to any island of the archipelago, including flights, accommodation, meals, transfer, entertainment and excursions.