Vasco Cordeiro says new model of air accessibility to the Azores "is serving all islands"
The President of the Government stated in Velas that the new model of air accessibility to the Azores is serving all islands of the Azores, particularly with regard to the impetus provided to the tourism sector.
"The data clearly show that the model is serving all islands in our region. Indeed, it is benefiting all islands, with special emphasis on the tourism sector," said Vasco Cordeiro, who spoke Wednesday at the reopening ceremony of Velas Municipal Auditorium on São Jorge.
In this context, the President of the Government revealed that, according to the latest available data, the number of overnight stays on the island of São Jorge grew 59.7 percent in May over the same month last year. Between January and May this year, it increased 28.5 percent over the same period in 2014.
The overall revenue of the tourism sector on São Jorge grew 33.4 percent in the first five months of this year, compared to the data registered between January and May 2014.
"This is quite significant insofar as it demonstrates the relevance of the negotiations that took place between the Regional Government and the National Government regarding the new model of air accessibility to the Region," said the President of the Government.
Vasco Cordeiro highlighted the opportunity to boost the potential of the Azores," which "can also grow significantly."
The President of the Government also stressed the "significant impact" of the new public service obligations in inter-island transport, which represent a significant reduction in air fares.
In this regard, Vasco Cordeiro mentioned that the fares for the route S. Jorge/Terceira are now set at 90 Euros, while the fare for the route S. Jorge/Ponta Delgada decreases from 160 to 120 Euros.
In his speech, the President of the Government highlighted the importance of investment in the renewal of Velas Municipal Auditorium. It now has the adequate conditions to host not only musical, theatre and cinema events, but also conferences and meetings, which will enhance the attractiveness of S. Jorge Island.
For Vasco Cordeiro, the investment in infrastructures allows to prepare the Region for the challenges arising in the near future. Therefore, these interventions are necessary insofar they "can provide the Region with better tools to for its development and progress."
"This is what we are trying to do on all islands. We are fully aware of the importance that this type of intervention as a regional cohesion factor that plays a key role in preparing each of our islands to future challenges," said the President of the Government.
With regard to S. Jorge, Vasco Cordeiro stressed that the Government has already launched contract works for the implementation of investments on this island amounting to 43 million Euros. The planned investments include the expansion of the commercial port in Velas the construction of the new school in Calheta, several interventions in agricultural roads and regional roads, and the works to protect the coastline.
"It is necessary that these infrastructures be considered as tools at our disposal to be used as factors of development and progress," said the government official.
For Vasco Cordeiro, the investment in infrastructures, the new model of air accessibility to the Region and the new public service obligations in inter-island transport are "starting points that summon the entrepreneurship, the professionalism and the entrepreneurial spirit of all Azoreans at a time when we need to seize the potential of these measures.”
According to Vasco Cordeiro, success also involves the cooperation of all parties involved, namely between the Regional Government and local authorities.
"If we do our part well, we will all win. It is not just the Government that will win; the Azorean people also win and this is what matters," said the President of the Government.