NEW’S | President of the Government travelled to Lagoa do Fogo by shuttle and noted that the experience was well-received by visitors

The President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, travelled this morning to Lagoa do Fogo by shuttle, noting that this nature enjoyment and contemplation “experience”, which will undergo permanent improvements, has been well-received by visitors.

“This solution offers a truly paradise-like experience of contemplation and a hassle-free stay. We are here without noisy vehicles honking and parking difficulties. We have the time and the mind to observe this authenticity of nature,” said the government official, who travelled together with the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral.

The “boldness and ambition” of the shuttle option was a disruptive practice, recalled the President of the Government, who acknowleged that “things are not always created perfect and are constantly being improved.”

With a “sense of responsibility,” as he stressed, it is possible to improve the experience, ensuring “more content” for those who visit Lagoa do Fogo and in multiple languages.

“We are creating content for a registered and informed visit,” continued José Manuel Bolieiro.

And he emphasised: “I do not feel that we have too much tourism. What we need is to organise tourism and we have even more potential for growth. Increase the number of visiting and staying spots, regulate access whilst respecting the environmental footprint, and control the critical mass of visits to protect the areas being visited.”

The shuttle service was awarded, after a public tender procedure, to the company Atlântico Energy, Unipessoal, Lda, which is responsible for its operation.

So far, a month and a half after the beginning of the shuttle service, the average number of tickets sold per day stands at 454, with Saturday being the most popular day, followed by Monday and Sunday.

Overall, nearly 19,000 tickets have already been sold, with nearly 400 of them to residents, who, despite being able to drive up to Lagoa do Fogo in their own vehicles, chose to park in one of the available car parks and enjoy the experience by shuttle.

GRA/RÁDIOILHÉU