Plan and Budget for 2018 increase investment to create jobs and wealth through tourism
The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism ensured a significant increase in the amount allocated to the tourism sector under the Plan for 2018, with an overall budget of 258 million Euros, representing an increase of 8% over 2017.
"If we take into account the Region's direct effort in budget terms, we have an additional 18% to be invested in a sector that has had very positive impacts on job creation and wealth generation in the Azores," said Marta Guerreiro. She spoke to journalists after being heard at the Committees on Economic and Parliamentary Affairs, Environment and Labour of the Legislative Assembly.
Among the investments planned in the area of tourism, Marta Guerreiro highlighted two, which she considered to be "of great importance." The first concerns "redevelopment of the main sites of tourist interest where it is necessary carry out joint interventions with other entities, namely with the Regional Secretariat for Transport and Public Works. Hence, we will guarantee adequate conditions to visitors and, simultaneously, ensure the preservation of the nature and the places in question."
"The training component is another aspect in the area of tourism that is of particular importance. It is comprised in the Plan and Budget, complementing the training courses promoted by all regional vocational training schools", added the government official.
Moreover, Marta Guerreiro stressed the investment of three million Euros in the area of energy for 2018, representing an increase compared to 2017. According to her, "this practically represents twice as much as we had allocated the year before and is very focused on two key projects: electric mobility and energy efficiency."
With regard to the environment, the Regional Secretary highlighted the investment of 20 million Euros. According to her, "our strategy is to continue the policies that have been implemented for more than a decade and that have provided the Region with structures and tools, allowing it to be in a favourable position regarding the matters of environmental quality and biodiversity. However, we they need to be attentive and closely related to the development that has taken place in the Region" as well as with the impact of Tourism."
The proposed Plan for the Energy, Environment and Tourism sectors for 2018 provides for an investment of 51 million Euros. For Marta Guerreiro, "it is the result of a concerted action between the three areas." The investment evidences the Government's concern to boost economic growth through tourism, while providing a unique environmental offer combined with energy sustainability.