Merger of Azores Tourism and Hotel Training Association with ATA to be concluded in the first quarter of 2012
The Government of the Azores expects to complete the merger process between Azores Tourism and Hotel Training Association (AAFTH) and the Azores Tourism Association (ATA) during the first quarter of 2012, announced the Regional Secretary for the Economy in Ponta Delgada today.
Vasco Cordeiro spoke during the signing of a protocol between the Regional Government and the Azores Tourism and Hotel Training Association and explained that this merger "has been carried out by all partners involved in both institutions." The government official conveyed his belief that this merger will "bring more benefits to the Tourism sector" by promoting "increased interaction between entities, stronger synergies as well as increased savings and improved allocation of resources."
According to the Regional Secretary, "this is another step taken, similarly to what has been done in other areas, in order to concentrate the allocation of resources and ensure the presence of public bodies in these business areas," such was the case of the recent merger of regional port authorities, also conducted by the Regional Secretariat for the Economy.
For Vasco Cordeiro, this process "will therefore provide better conditions to overcome the current and future challenges."
The protocol signed today, in the amount of 25,000 Euros, aims to support the actions developed by the AAFTH in using and promoting regional products in regional gastronomy either through training courses or initiatives developed in the restaurant sector.
According to the Regional Secretary for the Economy, "this type of actions are of great importance as evidenced by the two dozen of training courses already organised in previous years which were attended by two hundred students." In fact, "these actions not only contribute to the enhancement of the Tourism sector, but also to the recognition and promotion of our products."
According to Vasco Cordeiro, "this is one area where the government has strongly invested as the promotion and use of regional products is not limited to the benefits that may be brought by tourism. By promoting the use and consumption of regional products in our gastronomy, these types of actions also have a direct impact on our economy."