Sustainability, digitalisation and multi-sensory tourism: the keys to reactivate the sector in the province of Pontevedra
The Deputation de Pontevedra is boosting tourism in the province and adapting it to the new situation. It keeps its commitment to sustainability and improves competitiveness through quality, digitalisation and new products by means of multi-sensory proposals.
Yesterday, the President of the Deputación de Pontevedra, Carmela Silva, chaired a board to promote the Way of Saint James, the Mesa del Camino. There, she pointed out that tourism "is a strategic sector" for the provincial government. In addition, she took stock of the Strategic Plan for Tourism 2017-2020, and announced a new project: the launching of a campaign in 2021 to promote the Way, focusing on nature, welfare and health tourism. It will be a "very strong" initiative and will be presented in January. In addition, the President stressed that in the first half of the year the Deputación de Pontevedra will still be focusing on nearby tourism.
The Way, “unbeatable”
The Mesa was held online. Representatives from public and private institutions and Fernando Valdés, the Deputy Director-General of Cooperation and Competitiveness of the Secretariat of State for Tourism, participated in the event. He explained that "the province of Pontevedra has it all to offer the best experience to tourists" and showed his commitment towards making continuous improvements on products and digitalisation. Valdés considers that the five itineraries of the Way of Saint James that cross As Rías Baixas constitute an "unbeatable" asset.
The President of the Deputación de Pontevedra pointed out that the development of tourism in the province must be connected to the Agenda 2030, a UN framework document including the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. "Respect for the environment, a new energy model and the use of resources based on sustainability, digitalisation... All of this is crucial for the sector's future", she explained.
When she came to assess the 2017-2020 Strategic Plan, she highlighted the cooperation and coordination with the sector through two working groups (Mesa del Turismo and Mesa del Camino) and the tourist boards of the InfoRíasBaixas network. She also mentioned the promotion of the multi-sensory offer promoted by the Deputación de Pontevedra including actions in the castle of Soutomaior, the organisation of the exhibition "Galaicos" or the Rías Baixas Festivals. In addition, she pointed out that the province is making progress towards becoming a smart destination through the project Tourist Inside Rías Baixas.
Tourism campaigns
Carmela Silva also highlighted the success of the tourism campaigns of the Deputación de Pontevedra; in particular the campaign "Hunger for Experiences", whose official video has received 13 international awards. Moreover, regarding the institution's response to COVID-19, she said that "we have prepared contingency plans, developed successful online campaigns, reformulated training in online format, continued to support the festivals of interest, and provided resources to improve the safety of the municipalities".
Carmela Silva showed her gratitude to Fernando Valdés for participating in the Mesa. "It is very important to know that there is someone leading these actions. Hopefully, we will soon recover our position", she added.
