The town of Ferragudo, in the municipality of Lagoa, is preparing to receive a digital neighborhood with the aim of boosting tourism and local commerce, in an investment of 900 thousand euros financed by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), the president of the Parish Council revealed to Lusa.
Luís Alberto explained that the initiative foresees the installation of various technological equipment in the public space, with a view to improving the experience of visitors and supporting the activity of traders.
“There is a series of equipment that is being placed in public spaces, from smart bathrooms, smart treadmills and interactive billboards”, explained the mayor of that village in the district of Faro.
Smart infrastructures enhance urban experience
Among the solutions envisaged are also garden benches, charging points for electronic devices and the provision of a free ‘Internet’ network throughout the neighborhood area, located in the lower part of the village.
According to Luís Alberto, smart toilets work in a fully automated way: “People enter, their presence is detected and when the person leaves, cleaning is carried out automatically”.
The digital neighborhood area covers around 80 commercial establishments, with two interactive billboards installed on the edge of the lower part of the town, in addition to two large screens at the entrances, with various types of information.
Technology at the service of mobility and commerce
In the parking lot, around 100 sensors will be placed that indicate, in real time, the availability of spaces for drivers entering the area.
The system also includes ‘beacon’ technology – a communication system between devices at a short distance – which will allow notifications to be sent to users’ cell phones when they pass near participating establishments, with information about promotions or highlighted products.
“We will also have free navigation with 5G technology in the neighborhood area”, added the president of the board.
Cultural component values local identity
The project also includes a cultural aspect, with the installation of a mural that marks the entrance to the neighborhood and refers to local history.
It is a replica of a work made in wool by artist Vanessa Barragão, which will serve as the starting point for a digital itinerary with 11 places of interest.
Using a QR code, visitors will be able to access content that shows the evolution of these places, comparing the past with the present and integrating small historical narratives.
Currently, the project “is 80% complete, with only the electrification of the equipment remaining”, he said.
With this initiative, the aim is to reinforce the attractiveness of the village, promoting technological innovation and the appreciation of local commerce and heritage, concluded the mayor.
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