The initiative represents an investment of 1.5 million euros, of which 895 thousand euros are financed by European funds from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), with the Faro district council promoting this application.

“The digital district of Vila Real de Santo António aims to boost the presence of commercial establishments on websites or on marketplace-type trading platforms, together with a focus on promotion and dissemination based on social media or the aggregation of tourist circuits that can enhance trade”, the mayor told Lusa.

According to Álvaro Araújo, the aim is, for example, to “improve the consumer experience through the integration of digital solutions, the digitalisation of business models, or the increase in digital skills of workers, stimulating entrepreneurship in the areas of trade and services”.

This enhancement, developed together with local businesspeople, aims to “structure and defend the identity of Vila Real’s trade, making it even more attractive and resilient, and positioning it as a clear alternative to large commercial areas”, he added.

On the other hand, the aim is also to further strengthen its visibility in the context of neighbouring Andalusia, as Spanish visitors are one of the main customers of the Algarve city's commerce.

The project also includes, among other things, installing an urban Wi-Fi network, creating digital information centres and installing signage and physical intervention to promote a common visual entity.

The creation of a digital neighbourhood in the commercial area of ​​the centre of VRSA is “one of the municipality's biggest bets” and is possible because there is already an open-air shopping centre, with “a unique and innovative identity, its own furniture and signage and a wide range of shops and services”, he noted.