COVID 19

Galicia Tourism Cluster presents, together with the First Vice Presidency, the Department of Education and the three rectors, the ongoing tasks of the Master Plan 2021-2023 “Galicia Safe Destination”

The reactivation of tourism in Galicia to overcome the crisis caused by the pandemic through strategic and operational actions is the main objective of the Master Plan 2021-2013 “Galicia Safe Destination”, whose development was presented today in Santiago by the president of the Cluster Tourism of Galicia, Cesáreo Pardal.

The plan is the continuation of the collaboration model between the industry, the University and the Xunta that has already been applied in the preparation and implementation of the “Estratexia 2020”. Today’s event was chaired by the first vice president of the Xunta and Minister of Tourism, Alfonso Rueda, accompanied by the Minister of Culture, Education and University, Román Rodríguez. The rector of the University of Santiago, Antonio López; that of the University of A Coruña, Julio Abalde; and that of the University of Vigo, Manuel Reigosa.

Cesáreo Pardal explained that the Master Plan “must take advantage of the opportunities to reposition Galicia as a destination that is perceived as safe.” He added that “the current moment allows us to prepare the transition for the years of recovery, knowing and taking advantage of our strengths, such as having an inalienable axis in sustainability that is part of our identity as a destination.”

The validity of the plan coincides with the management of the European funds that are dedicated to the recovery that are, according to Cesáreo Pardal explained, “an essential additional means at this time”.

After citing the objectives, the president of the Cluster explained the methodology for preparing the plan, which is based on scientific and participatory approaches.

The role of the universities will focus on carrying out diagnoses and proposing proposals in the areas of supply (University of A Coruña); the territory (University of Santiago) and the demand (University of Vigo). The Cluster will coordinate field work with the sector according to the information needs raised by the universities.

With these scientific analyzes it is intended to know the sectoral offer, as well as the needs of the companies; the degree of preparation of the destination from the point of view of the territory (rural and urban tourism, geo-destinations…); and the characteristics of the consumers, as well as the possible changes in habits that may have occurred.

Regarding participation, planning includes qualitative and quantitative research. Work tables will be created on specific aspects of tourism activity and in-depth interviews will be conducted with experts in the sector.

Likewise, two specific surveys will be carried out: one aimed at companies and the other aimed at consumers.

Cesáreo Pardal explained that the Plan will make it possible to take advantage of the additional funds “to promote projects that favor and‘ pull ’the recovery, as well as to argue the need for access to that financing under fair conditions and adjusted to their needs.”

He added that the Master Plan will also propose “clear and effective actions to strengthen Galicia as a short-term tourist destination, especially as a safe and local destination.”