The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stated Ponta Delgada that the fourth edition of “Meus Açores, Meus Amores” (My Azores, My Love) programme represents more than 6,200 overnight stays in the archipelago. It will contribute to the revitalisation of the regional economy in the low and medium season in the tourism, hotel and restaurant sectors.
 
"We have managed to improve inter-island mobility, encouraging new forms of tourism, products and contents adapted to seasonal changes that value the resources available, taking into account their capacity," said Marta Guerreiro. The government official spoke at a joint press conference with the Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity for the presentation of a report on this senior tourism programme and the announcement of this year's edition.
 
Marta Guerreiro also stressed that, "in addition to combating seasonality, the programme improves the promotion of domestic tourism internal and promotes "Azoreanity" by breaking down the geographical barriers between the nine islands of the archipelago and allowing the exchange of experiences among seniors from different islands."
 
São Miguel, Terceira and Faial are the islands of origin that continue to register the highest number of applications; however, there has been a significant increase in demand from the island of Pico.
 
As for the most sought-after islands, Santa Maria and Flores continue to lead the options of applicants, to which we should add up the island of Graciosa in the 2016 edition.
 
"The assessment of previous editions concluded that the selected Azoreans were very satisfied with their participation, highlighting the quality of hospitality and stay," said the Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity.
 
Andreia Cardoso stressed that "the programme was well received by the public insofar it was possible to verify that applications began to be displayed even before most of the advertising material became available."
 
According to the Secretary for Social Solidarity, one of the positive aspects most highlighted by participants was the relation with guides and programme monitors. She added that the fourth edition of "Meus Açores, Meus Amores" programme, whose application period opens Friday, January 13, will continue to rely on the cooperation of Cresaçor. The latter provides support in the establishment of the team of guides who will accompany travellers on their trip, ensuring that their needs are assured and that the stay is enjoyable.
 
"Similarly to the conditions set for the previous editions, as it remains important to promote the participation of senior citizens with less mobility, the programme continues to provide applicants with the possibility to travel with a companion that ensures their routine daily," added the government official.
 
For her part, Marta Guerreiro stressed that "regional entities should regard the initiative as a challenge to encourage all programmes intended to reduce seasonality within the local economy in a joint action with the Regional Secretary."
 
"The work involves the development of the primary tourism products of each island, the innovation and modernisation of tourism offices, the georeferencing of natural resources and the promotion of cultural agenda. It should also include the dissemination of themed itineraries that allow to complement the existing tourism offer as well as to enhance the diversity of natural, historical and cultural resources of the archipelago," said the Secretary for Tourism.
 
Those interested in participating in this programme should go the Integrated Citizen Support Network (RIAC) offices or to the local Social Security Services to submit their application.