Three Algarve development associations have launched the 'Pure Algarve’ initiative to attract nature tourism to the region.
The new brand will have one multimedia website available from March 30th 2014 in Portuguese, English, French, German and Spanish.
Visitors can search for specific topics, download information and arrange guided tours in the Algarve.
"We have phenomenal resources and capabilities that are not yet being used in a sustainable way," said project manager Artur Gregorio who added that the project aims to make the nature tourism sector more structured and more organised so as to help fight tourist seasonality.
‘Pure Algarve’ is a regional brand for nature tourism and is the result of two projects under the PRODER (Programa de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Rural) banner involving Vicentina, InLoco and the Associação Terras do Baixo Guadiana which have been working for two years" said Artur Gregorio from InLoco.
Small artisan producers, seen as the custodians of the Algarvean landscape and heritage, are encouraged to organise themselves and network.
The project so far has 36 such artisans and producers, and Gregorio claims that the scheme creates a system that will benefit those who adhere to the new brand, as well as a quality image for their products, and the services and locations that are listed in the 'Pure Algarve' project.
Locations and products have been chosen for quality, originality and personality and the promoters have created themed routes for gastronomy, landscapes, local produce, heritage and regional history and seek to show an Algarve where the coast and interior are allies.
The project has had about €300,000 of PRODER funding with money left to invest in promoting the project and its website.
Gregorio said that there is a second phase of PRODER funding that he aims to get to consolidate the Pure Algarve project by training and promoting partner companies.
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