The Government of the Azores has launched a new edition of the tourism programme designed to promote senior mobility - "Meus Açores, Meus Amores" (My Azores, My Love). This initiative aims to cover 960 senior citizens residing in the archipelago aged over 60 years.

Participants will have the opportunity to spend one week (six overnight stays) in tourist accommodations across the Region on full board with leisure activities and the permanent assistance of specialised monitors.

With this initiative, the Government aims to promote active ageing and improve the quality of life of the Azorean population as well as to revitalise regional economy during the low and medium season in the tourism sector, especially in the hotel and restaurant sectors. The programme is expected to register a total of 5,760 overnight stays.

In order to encourage the participation of elder citizens with reduced mobility, the programme provides citizens who need permanent support on their daily routines with the possibility travelling with a companion aged 18 or over.

Those who are interested may submit their application at the Social Security services or at the offices of the Integrated Citizen Support Network (RIAC) of their island of residence until January 16.

If the number of vacancies is not filled during this time, there will be a second application period, from January 17 to 23.

Applications will be analysed based on the criteria defined in the programme rules, such the social and economic background of participants and the number of times they participated in this type of programmes.

The elderly selected for this initiative are required to confirm their participation upon the payment of a sum between 25 and 75 Euros, depending on their income.