Queijaria Furnense used to be a must for nearly “100% of the people” leaving Poça da Dona Beija, a thermal pool on São Miguel Island. Now, with the closure of these thermal pools, this isn’t happening. Speaking to Açoriano Oriental, Paula Rego, the establishment’s manager, revealed a drop of around 25% in the influx of customers.

Paula Rego compared the movement of customers at the establishment at the beginning of August this year with March, a time when there was usually less hustle and bustle at this establishment.

According to the manager, on the very first day after the announcement of the spa’s closure, there was a drop in demand.

“I think the sector that was most affected was the restaurant sector, and Queijaria Furnense couldn’t be left out of this situation, because we’re situated between the two areas: Poça da Dona Beija and Parque Terra Nostra,” she added.

According to Paula Rego, most local restaurants share her opinion. Maria Eduarda Ferreira, from the Miroma restaurant, also agrees that business hasn’t been the same as other summer months.

For Maria Eduarda Ferreira, not only is there less demand for restaurants in Furnas, but “for everything” in the parish.

The owner of this restaurant also owns a small store located right next to Poça da Dona Beija, which has suffered an “almost total” drop in customers. “The information about the closure of Poça da Dona Beija is online and people don’t even go there anymore,” says the daughter of the owner of Miroma. And, “the part of the parish where the well is located is really at a standstill,” she explained.

Maria Ferreira also noted that, in general, Furnas has been “more idle than usual”, but she doesn’t know why. “In 2022, there was a lot of demand. Now tourists come during the day, but they don’t stay overnight,” she said.

Sara Lima Sousa is a journalist for the newspaper Açoriano Oriental, and Paula Gouveia is the editor-in-chief.

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.