The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport stated in Angra do Heroísmo that charter operation between the USA and Terceira, which began in 2015, has boosted tourism not only on this island but also throughout the Central Group Islands. In this context, he stressed the Government will continue to expend this operation next winter, with a potential increase of 17,800 overnight stays for regional hotels.
 
Vítor Fraga spoke at the presentation of the charter operation Boston/Terceira 2016-2017. In this context, he recalled that about a year ago, during the presentation of the operation, "our goal and our believe was that this operation for Terceira Island would also contribute to the development of the tourism sector, not only on Terceira but also in the entire Central Group."
 
"It is with great satisfaction that we note that overnight stays of US tourists from grew 49.2% on Graciosa, 175% on São Jorge, 73.1% on Pico and 112% on Faial," said Vítor Fraga. He stressing that the operation presented today will continue the work already carried, thus reinforcing its consolidation and maximising the return on the investment made.
 
The operation comprises a total of 39 flight connections, promoting almost 38,000 overnight stays that represent an increase of 17,800 overnight stays with regard to last year's operation, i.e., an increase of 89%.
 
The Regional Secretary highlighted the joint work carried between public and private entities out on a daily basis in the construction of the Azores destination since the beginning of this term, mentioning a series of measures that have made 2015 the best year ever in the sector.
 
"All these measures provide a decisive contribution to this growth dynamics and consolidation of the tourism sector," Vítor Fraga reiterated, indicating "that the indicators released in 2016 already evidence" that overnights stays in traditional hotels grew 36% in the region in the first five months of this year.
 
"In the specific case of Terceira, this indicator registered a fantastic performance, with a growth of 131.6%, that is, an increase 54,575 overnight stays, making up a total of 96,020 overnight stays in this period," noted the Regional Secretary. In this regard, he conveyed his belief that the expansion of charter operations will be reflected throughout the Central Group Islands.
 
However, Vítor Fraga stressed that the results "cannot dazzle us." According to him, they "should not be seen as a finishing line but as starting point for us to improve day after day."
 
The Secretary for Tourism folder highlighted that each island should have complementary effect with regard to the remaining islands. This is the case of Terceira, where landscape resources boost outdoor activities and, simultaneously, promote a distinctive approach in the cultural field." The latter is "primarily based on the international recognition of its heritage, where Angra do Heroísmo represents its maximum expression, with the World's Heritage classification. In turn, the Region is also distinguished for its festivities, wines and cuisine.
 
"Culture and heritage are strategically in line with the efforts to promote the tourism offer on the island of Terceira. As such, and in accordance with the Strategic Plan for the sector, it is important to align all these sectors so that we may all build an increasingly better destination," Vítor Fraga said, emphasising the construction of "a tourist destination that should be sustainable economically, socially and environmentally."