The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport announced the reinforcement of several tourism operations that connect some of the major tourist markets to the Azores throughout the year. This measure is intended to increase the number of tourists visiting the Region.

Vítor Fraga was interviewed on Thursday evening for RTP Açores programme "Grande Plano." The government official revealed that the Region will resume operations to Finland, announcing that two new operations are already scheduled for this country in 2013; the first includes 21 flights and the second 14 flights.

The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport stressed that the operations will be reinforced in several countries, including Belgium and Sweden, with the introduction of new flights, or the United States of America with the introduction of a new flight to Boston.

The government official also announced that the regional airline will add more 20 flights to Spain; 10 with destination to Terceira and the other 10 to Ponta Delgada.

In the context of the reinforcement of flight connections between the Region and its tourist markets, Vítor Fraga announced a flight connection to Paris with 25 flights.

According to the Regional Secretary, the increase of flight connections to the Azores is the result of a joint work that is being developed on the field with all tour operators.

Vítor Fraga also announced a new programme, designated as Azores Air Cruise, which will be launched by a tour operator. This innovative product is targeted to the national market and was created with the purpose of promoting a seven-day to six Azorean islands.

The Regional Secretary also mentioned the introduction of a new air fare, Fly & Cruise, which combines SATA fares with Atlânticoline and Transmaçor fares, thus meeting the demands of tour operators regarding the creation of an interline fare. In addition, this new fare also reinforces the available supply.

Vítor Fraga urged all entities operating in the Tourism sector to have confidence and promote the Azores destination.