The Regional Secretary for Transport and Public Works announced today that the Regional Government is preparing a package of measures to support Azorean companies operating in regional commercial ports. 

Ana Cunha spoke at the plenary session of the Legislative Assembly, held by video conference, about a draft resolution presented by CDS/PP on the suspension of berthing fees for maritime-tourist vessels.

The Secretary for Transport stated that the Regional Government not only agrees with this proposal, "but also intends to go further, as it is already working with the Regional Port Authorities to create a much more comprehensive package of support measures. They are mainly aimed at several companies operating in regional ports in order to address their economic situation in the current context. 

Ana Cunha pointed out that, as maritime-tourist companies are not the only ones going through difficult times at present, these should not be the only ones to be supported.

According to her, it is necessary to assess other situations in which individual entrepreneurs and companies operate in regional ports and take into account that their activities have been suspended. This has prevented them from generating the necessary wealth to meet the costs with occupancy licenses, advertising licenses and, in the specific case of maritime-tourism activities, with the Port Tariff Use (TUP).
 
The Regional Secretary also recalled that, at the end of March, the Council of the Government approved the suspension of fees for maritime-tourism activities in 2020.