The Vila Real de Santo António City Council presented, last April 30, at the Vasco da Gama Hotel, in Monte Gordo, the new strategic plan for tourist development and marketing, a guiding document that establishes the vision, objectives and priority actions to position the county as a more competitive, attractive and sustainable tourist destination.
The session was attended by the mayor, Álvaro Araújo, the vice-president, Ricardo Cipriano, and the rest, and gathered dozens of entrepreneurs and professionals linked to the tourism and restoration sector. The technical presentation was in charge of IPDT – Tourism and Consultoria, partner in the preparation of the plan.
The plan results from a participated process that involved the listening of the local community and the sector’s economic agents. The objective was to ensure that the final document reflects the real needs of the territory and proposes answers adjusted to the identity of Vila Real de Santo António. According to the strategy drawn, the county should affirm itself as a tourist destination of excellence, capable of generating value throughout the year, based on the valorization of its natural and cultural resources, the qualification of supply and diversification of the experiences proposed to visitors.
The expected action is structured in four strategic axes: governance and sustainability; Territorial qualification and appreciation; Promotion and communication; Innovation and entrepreneurship. These axes define the line of course for the coming years and frame an ambitious set of seven major strategic goals, among which stand out: the reinforcement of the notoriety of Vila Real de Santo António as a tourist destination; The capture of private investment; The reduction of the seasonality of demand; The qualification of industry professionals; The promotion of digital transformation; The appreciation of identity heritage; The balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
To body this strategy, the plan defines three major action programs, which unfold into 38 strategic initiatives. These include: reinforcing the promotion of destination in priority markets; The creation of new tourist experiences, focusing on water, cultural and nature products; The dynamization of the tourist brand of the county; The appreciation of Monte Gordo Bay and the Heritage of Guadiana; The structuring of strategic networks and partnerships with operators and regional entities; Support to entrepreneurship and innovation in tourism related sectors.
During the presentation, the president of, Álvaro Araújo, said that the plan represents an important milestone in the statement of Vila Real de Santo António as a sustainable and innovative tourist destination. He stressed that this is a strategy “based on local identity, made with those who live and work in the county” and points out “clear paths to qualify the offer and ensure tourism that improves the lives of populations”.
The vice president, Ricardo Cipriano, reinforced the mobilizing character of the proposal, noting that “this is a plan with vision, with concrete measures and that commites us to a consistent action until 2030”. He also stressed that the document will serve as a basis for the articulated work between the municipality and the agents of the sector.
The implementation of the plan will be done in a phase, with periodic evaluations and space to adapt to the evolution of the sector. The municipality is committed to a coordinated, sustainable action and proximity to the community, betting on a new stage for local tourism. With this strategy, Vila Real de Santo António takes a decisive step in structuring his model of tourism development, guided by principles of sustainability, innovation, qualification and territorial valorization, in a commitment to the economic and social future of the county.
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