Regional Director for Tourism stresses importance of RIS3 with approval of 12 projects in the sector
The Regional Director for Tourism stressed the “importance” of the Azores Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3) in the tourism sector, noting that 12 projects were “approved” for an investment of more than 2.5 million Euros.
Marlene Damião spoke Tuesday in Ponta Delgada at the workshop on "RIS3 Tourism - Research, Development and Innovation." On the occasion, she stated that, among the 12 projects approved under the Azores 2020 Operational Programme, some fall within the specific goal of “increasing quality scientific production geared towards smart specialisation.” In turn, others fall within the specific goal of "R&D initiatives in business context, strengthening business links to investment centres and the development of higher education projects.”
In the context of RIS3, three strategic priorities are defined for the tourism sector, namely the application of information and communication technologies, the identification and attraction of specific tourism segments at international level, the promotion of collaborative relations and the fostering of innovative activities related to this activity.
In her speech, Marlene Damião mentioned “the European Commission's definition of the 'Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation' concept. It is in line with the Regional Government's vision, based on a model of economic development geared towards knowledge and innovation for a more efficient and competitive Region with higher employment levels."
“With the vision and priorities set for tourism in the Region and in line with Europe, it was intended that this vision could provide guidance on to the path to be followed, leading to some reflections on the strategy adopted,” stressed the Regional Director. According to her, “the revision of POTRAA, complemented by PEMTA, as guiding tools for the regional policy, has been quite relevant."
“The result of the policies implemented is evident in the growth of the tourism activity and in the worldwide projection of the Region's image as a sustainable destination,” contributing to “continuous efforts in attracting responsible tourists who will identify themselves with the Azorean reality."
“Increasing the demand for environmentally conscious premium visitors who wish to travel to various islands outside the high season looking for the activities we offer and having the desire to return," are some of the priorities emphasised by the government official to attract high value markets.