Regional Government supported 254 restaurants and hotel units in the acquisition of over 10 million Euros in regional products
The Vice-President of the Government revealed Angra do Heroísmo that the Region, through the Programme to Support Restaurants and Hotels in the Purchase of Regional Products, has supported 254 restaurants and hotel units in the acquisition of over 10 million Euros in Azorean products.
"I can announce that we have approved 1,041 applications from 254 restaurants and hotels in the Region under this programme, corresponding to the acquisition of over 10 million Euros in Azorean production and the allocation of support over one million Euros," said Sérgio Ávila.
The Vice-President spoke at the first ceremony intended to distinguish the companies that have benefited from the maximum amount of support allocated under the programme created in 2013. He stressed the importance of marking the "success and excellent results" as well as the adherence and commitment of companies to this initiative, which aimed to stimulate the acquisition of regional products.
"Buying and consuming Azorean products will contribute to employment creation," said Sérgio Ávila.
In this regard, he stressed the three vectors of the strategy that the Government has been following, particularly in the promotion of exports as well as the "implementation and projection of the Azores Brand." This goal has been achieved through "the implementation of a series of initiatives for the placement of products in other markets, which has resulted in a significant growth in exports."
According to Sérgio Ávila, the second and third vectors are related to regional consumption and the consumption by those who visit the archipelago, bearing in mind that this "is the great challenge that the regional tourism sector faces."
For the government official, it is important to "strengthen growth and ensure that this growth has an increasing impact on the economy" so that "the multiplier effect on employment creation and wealth generated by tourism becomes more significant."
Reiterating the success of the Programme to Support Restaurants and Hotels in the Purchase of Regional Products, Sérgio Ávila stated that, considering the establishment of the Azores Brand in 2015, the ordinance regulating the applications will be amended next week.
"Today, I can announce that there are 1,671 products bearing the Azores Brand seal. In view of this reality, we will introduce an amendment to the system next week. The reimbursement to the purchase of products will also cover acquisition products distinguished with the Azores mark under the same terms and percentages," said the Vice-President.
According to Sérgio Ávila, this measure "strengthens the Azores brand as well as the identity brand of the Region and Azorean products."