Loulé and Quarteira are implementing the Digital Commercial Districts project, an initiative aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of traditional trade through the digitization of services and the improvement of the shopping experience, as disclosed in a press release.
According to the same source, the two projects are funded 100% by the Recovery and Resilience Program (PRR) and include several technological solutions, such as the provision of information about free parking spaces, the strengthening of the public Wi-Fi network, and the installation of digital kiosks in public spaces.
In the case of Loulé, the area covered extends from the bandstand on Avenida José da Costa Mealha to Largo de São Francisco. In Quarteira, the digital commercial district covers the area between the Quarteira Market and the start of the Calçadão, bounded by Avenida Dr. Carlos Mota Pinto.
The merchants located in these areas will be able to join marketplace platforms that will allow them to sell their products to a global market.
As part of the project, merchants can also benefit from digital services vouchers through the Algarve Digital Commerce Accelerator, which provides support for the technological transition of the companies.
For consumers, the initiative promises to facilitate access to locally available products, combining the proximity of traditional trade with the convenience of digital platforms and the flexibility of hours.
“The objective is to energize the cities through street trade, which is fundamental to ensuring urban centers that are lively, safe, and innovative. If we can increase the visibility and the digital presence of merchants, also helping to increase their sales, it will be a win-win for everyone,” says the mayor.
The official adds that the future intention also includes expanding these solutions to the entire municipality, strengthening commercial and territorial dynamics.
In the case of the Digital Commercial District of Loulé, the consortium is led by the Municipality of Loulé (leader), the Quarteira Parish Council, ACRAL – Association of Commerce and Services of the Algarve Region, and the Loulé Concelho Global municipal company.
Already in Quarteira, the project involves the Municipality of Loulé (leader), the Quarteira Parish Council, ACRAL, Loulé Concelho Global, the Algarve Association of Entrepreneurs, and the Association of Entrepreneurs for Quarteira.
More information about the projects is available on the online platforms created for the purpose.
