Santa Cruz de Tenerife 11 Apr. (Press Europa) –
The Canary Islands Government has requested the State to reinstate financial aid for inter-island transport during social tourism excursions, which was discontinued in 2017. The regional government highlights that “5,000 elderly individuals residing in non-capital areas” are required to bear the costs of travel between islands to participate in these trips.
Verónica Meseguer, the General Director of Seniors and Active Participation for the Government of the Canary Islands, conducted a working meeting in Madrid with Imserso’s director, Mayte Sancho, to discuss this matter in relation to the Social Tourism programme, as stated by the Regional Department in a press release.
According to the Government, approximately 5,000 seniors living on non-capital islands must cover the transportation costs to Gran Canaria or Tenerife to access programme trips, which poses “an additional challenge” both financially and logistically.
During the meeting, Verónica Meseguer conveyed “the necessity” of finding solutions that ensure equal access to this programme, irrespective of residents’ locations.
“It is crucial that all elderly individuals in the archipelago have the same opportunities to engage in Imserso trips, regardless of where they reside,” she stated.
The general director regarded the meeting’s atmosphere positively, noting Imserso’s receptiveness and the potential for continued collaborative efforts.
“We left with the impression that there is a genuine willingness to listen and progress towards a fair resolution for the seniors of our islands,” she added.
The Imserso Social Tourism Programme targets individuals aged 65 and above residing in Spain, who are insured or beneficiaries of the Social Security System, and includes travel options both within and outside the country, tailored specifically for this demographic.
