The Regional Secretariats for Social Solidarity and for Energy, Environment and Tourism are promoting the "Azores for All" pilot project, an initiative that, in the first phase, takes place on the islands of São Miguel and Terceira.
 
The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity stressed today at Lajes Air Terminal, where she accompanied the departure of the first group, that this is another action under the Regional Strategy to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion. According to her, this inclusive tourism programme aims to "promote equal opportunities," being directed" to residents in the Region with disabilities."
 
"This programme is intended to facilitate access to leisure and tourism for people with disabilities." It also promotes "the knowledge of the Region as well as the socialisation and strengthening of socio-cultural ties among participants, as already happens with the "'My Azores, My Love' programme," said Andreia Cardoso.
 
In turn, the Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism spoke at the welcoming reception for this group of participants in Ponta Delgada. On the occasion, she stressed that "the implementation of this project is an important tool to promote equal opportunities and social inclusion as well as to revitalise the regional economy in the low and mid seasons of the tourism, hospitality and restaurant sectors."
 
“This is just another measure within the strategy that we have been consolidating over the last years. It highlights the importance of tourism in the life of all Azoreans as a sector with very positive impacts on the environmental, economic and social development of the Azores,” said Marta Guerreiro.
 
The Regional Secretary also pointed out that, in this context, "a survey of all infrastructures adapted to people with special needs is being finalised, together with Cresaçor, an effort that aims to promote the archipelago also as an inclusive tourist destination."
 
The first phase of the "Azores for All" initiative includes two trips this month: one to the island of Terceira (November) with users of Santa Casa da Misericórdia institution of Maia, and the one that began today to São Miguel (November 18-22) with users of the Christian Youth Association.
 
The trips will last five days and each group consists of six users who will be accompanied by three monitors. They also include a specific animation programme suited to participants' characteristics and profile.