The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for Parliamentary Affairs praised the contribution provided by the Federation of Portuguese Cerebral Palsy Associations (FAPPC) to promote accessible tourism in the Azores. The government official welcomed the fact that, after organising an activity week on S. Miguel, the federation considered that the visit "exceeded expectations."

The stay of the group, which was made up of 25 people with cerebral palsy and reduced mobility, was supported by the Government of the Azores as well as by several regional and local entities. In this context, Isabel Rodrigues stressed the importance of the meeting between "a very different set of partners whose contributions were crucial to the success of the initiative."

Isabel Rodrigues spoke Friday, on behalf President of the Government, at the gala dinner that closed the project titled "Small Flights for Great Journeys - Empower to Participate." Promoted by FAPPC, this initiative was intended to test the Region's capacity to welcome tourists with reduced mobility.

The Regional Secretary stressed the logistic complexity of the visit to the Azores. For the first time, the project included air transportation.

The challenge was successfully overcome by SATA, the hotel unit where participants were accommodated, Private Social Solidarity Institutions that have joined the initiative and other entities that have mobilised resources throughout the island.

Moreover, the project included the integration of the group in various activities related to accessible tourism on the island of São Miguel, involving restaurants, recreational spaces, adapted transportation and practices related to nature and the unique experiences of the Azores destination.

The implementation of good practices in terms of infrastructures, equipment, products and tourist services has been safeguarded in the Autonomous Region of the Azores from a legal standpoint in order to make tourism accessible for all.

The project and the visit to the Azores have enhanced the potential of accessible tourism to attract a new market niche as well as to create new services in this area.