Santa Cruz de Tenerife 11 Apr. (Press Europa) –
The Canary Islands government has requested the State to reinstate the assistance for inter-island transport for social tourism journeys, a support that was removed in 2017. According to the regional administration, “5,000 older individuals residing on non-capital islands” must bear the costs of travelling between islands to participate in these trips.
Verónica Meseguer, the General Director of Seniors and Active Participation within the Government of the Canary Islands, convened a working meeting in Madrid with Mayte Sancho, the director of Imserso, to discuss this matter as part of the Social Tourism programme, as stated by the Regional Department in an announcement.
The government notes that approximately 5,000 seniors living on non-capital islands are required to cover the travel costs to Gran Canaria or Tenerife to take part in the programme trips, which may pose “an additional challenge” both financially and logistically.
During the meeting, Verónica Meseguer conveyed “the necessity” of identifying solutions that ensure equal access to this programme, regardless of where individuals reside.
“It is crucial that all the elderly in the archipelago have the same opportunities to partake in the Imserso trips, no matter where they are located,” she stated.
The general director expressed a positive view of the meeting’s atmosphere, emphasising Imserso’s willingness to collaborate effectively.
“We left with the impression that there is a willingness to listen and progress towards a fair resolution for the elderly residents of our islands,” she added.
The Imserso Social Tourism Programme is tailored for individuals residing in Spain aged 65 years or older, who are either insured or beneficiaries of the Social Security System, and it includes destinations both within and outside the country with special provisions for this demographic.
