In a statement, the Faro district municipality considers this to be “an important milestone” in the development of local commerce, “creating a more connected commercial environment, taking advantage of digital technologies to benefit traders, residents and visitors”.

The new ‘neighbourhood’ is delimited to the south by the municipal markets, to the north, by the Court, and extends along Rua do Comércio and Caminho das Lendas, he adds.

According to the municipality, traders who carry out their activity in the area of ​​project implementation, “will have the opportunity to join a ‘marketplace’ platform where they will be able to sell their products throughout the world”.

With this benefit, he adds, store owners increase their competitiveness with large retailers, expanding opening hours to 24 hours a day, among other advantages.

For consumers, the benefits are access to local products with convenience and flexible hours.

The entire area of ​​the digital neighbourhood will be covered by free Wi-Fi, interactive billboards and real-time monitoring of vacant parking spaces.

“Olhão com Alma” represents an investment of one million euros, financed 100% by PRR funds and implemented by a consortium composed of the municipality, Associação do Comércio e Serviços da Região do Algarve (ACRAL), AmbiOlhão, Fesnima and the company Olhão Markets.