With the Pico Youth Hostel and the results of its operation, "it was possible to demonstrate that this type of infrastructure is viable on smaller island given their economic dynamics."

This view was conveyed by the Regional Director for Youth on Wednesday during the opening of the last phase of the construction works - landscaping and parking - for the renewal of the S. Pedro de Alcântara Convent in the municipality of S.Roque do Pico, where the Pico Youth Hostel is currently installed.

Regarding the successful implementation of such infrastructures on smaller islands, Bruno Pacheco emphasised "the twelve thousand overstay nights registered at Pico Youth Hostel in the last three years as a clear example of their contribution of the development of local economy in the municipality of S. Roque do Pico."

The Regional Director, who spoke on behalf of the Secretary of the Presidency, stressed that without this Youth Hostel "it would not have been possible to generate this influx of tourists, who will subsequently boost this economy."

Calling Youth Hostels as "Azorean youth houses," Bruno Pacheco launched a challenge to Azorean youngsters "to regard them as an opportunity to do business in addition to the provision of accommodation and leisure."

The government official explained that, in this context, "each Youth Hostel may foster business opportunities as well as entrepreneurial initiatives in terms of tourist animation, services and supply of goods."

Starting from Youth Hostels, Bruno Pacheco concluded that "youngsters have the opportunity to develop business ideas and entrepreneurial projects that boost the creation of jobs, that is, the ability to create self-employment."