AÇORES 2030 | CONSTRUIR 2030 FINANCIAL SUPPORT
“Açores 2030” is the regional development program for the Azores archipelago, funded by European Union funds (FEDER and FSE+) with a total budget of €1.1 billion for the 2021-2027 programming period. Its primary goals are to foster smart economic growth, job creation, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and digital transformation, aligned with the national Portugal 2030 strategy.
The Açores 2030 program aims to achieve specific objectives across several key areas: Smart Growth, Digitalization, Competitiveness, Social Inclusion, Environmental Sustainability, Climate Resilience, and Connectivity.
“Construir 2030” is an incentive program from the Azores regional government under the Açores 2030 Programme aimed at promoting sustainable and integrated economic development by providing financial support (up to 70% non-refundable incentives) to regional companies. Its goals include strengthening the business fabric, boosting growth and competitiveness, diversifying the economy, and improving business efficiency through four support subsystems (Young Investor, Small Businesses, Structuring Businesses, and Rural Development). No specific results are available yet, as the program is a recent incentive scheme launched to address economic challenges and support the region’s development.
The goals of the Construir 2030 program are to: Strengthen and diversify the business fabric; Enhance competitiveness and efficiency; Support economic and social cohesion; Respond to business needs.
Within the scope of these two programs one Oh! My Cod project was supported:
“Gastronomic Day Tours and Multi-day Trips to the Triangle Islands – Azores”
The investment project promotes encounters with Azorean culture, without neglecting its connection to its history and the contemporary world, through gastronomic experiences and authentic travel. It highlights local products and producers and mitigates seasonal discrepancies in tourism. It values interaction between travelers and the local community, applying a transformative tourism model and facilitating cultural and gastronomic encounters in small groups. The project also includes the creation of a local accommodation where guests can also benefit from the cultural and gastronomic experiences.
PRR - PLANO DE RECUPERAÇÃO E RESILIÊNCIA FINANCIAL SUPPORT
The Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR – Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência) is a national initiative designed to drive structural reforms and investments that promote sustainable economic growth in the aftermath of the pandemic, reinforcing Portugal’s convergence with the rest of Europe.
As part of the national PRR reprogramming process, approved by the European Commission and the Council of the European Union in October 2023, the Autonomous Region of the Azores received increased investment opportunities. Seven new projects were added — identified by the Regional Government of the Azores as essential to addressing regional needs and supporting local businesses.
Within this framework, the modernization and digital expansion of Oh! My Cod Tours and Trips was selected for support under the PRR program. Focused on strengthening the company’s operations across the Triangle Islands, this initiative enhances its regional presence, boosts operational efficiency, and enriches the customer experience.
The action plan centers on three key areas:
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Technological development and reservation system integration
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Digital marketing, rebranding, and content production
ALENTEJO 2030 - SISTEMA DE INCENTIVOS DE BASE TERRITORIAL
The Alentejo Regional Programme 2021–2027 (Alentejo 2030) supports projects that promote small-scale investments for the creation of micro and small enterprises, as well as the expansion or modernization of existing businesses. Priority is given to projects aligned with territorial strategies and approaches that contribute to employment, modernization, and the resilience of local economies.
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Investment projects should be integrated into regional and local strategies that stimulate economic activity in the territories—particularly in low-density areas—by supporting business expansion (notably through increased production, integration into value chains, and the development of business networks or other economies-of-scale initiatives), helping maintain employment, retaining population, and promoting stronger economic and territorial cohesion.
One of the focus of the Oh! My Cod Project, “Monte dos Arrifes – Alojamento Local”, promoted by Sílvia Olivenca Unipessoal, Lda. is the creation of a Local Accommodation (LA) unit. This space will be rehabilitated while preserving its full integration into the natural and cultural landscape of the region, offering guests an immersive experience in the tranquil rhythm and centuries-old traditions of the Alentejo. The choice of Arraiolos is strategic, reflecting OMC’s commitment to promoting tourism in lesser-known areas and contributing to a more sustainable and equitable development of national tourism.
In addition to its core hospitality offering, the project includes a wide range of gastronomic, wine, and farm-based experiences, all designed to be exclusive and personalized. These experiences aim to provide each visitor with a unique connection to the Alentejo. Each activity is intended to serve as an open window into the region’s soul, inviting LA guests and the broader community to discover not only its flavors and landscapes, but also the stories and people who embody the essence of this land.
Another objective of the project is the creation of cultural and gastronomic events—held annually or biannually and lasting two days—focused on Alentejo culture, with some participants staying at Monte dos Arrifes.
Supported by cross-sector partnerships, this component is aimed at professionals, social researchers/anthropologists, enthusiasts, and visitors. It seeks not only to enrich their experience but also to foster cooperation and knowledge creation, valuing and preserving Alentejo culture, actively involving the local community, and promoting the regional economy.
INTERNATIONALIZATION VIA E-COMMERCE
The Internationalization via E-commerce initiative supports small medium enterprises (SMEs) in expanding their global presence by investing in awareness, training, and consulting services. This program includes two key components:
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E-commerce Internationalization for New Exporters – A comprehensive program designed to strengthen the digital capabilities of SMEs and promote e-commerce as a gateway to global markets.
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Tailored Digital Promotion Program – A personalized support service aimed at companies with established international experience, helping them diversify and expand into new markets through advanced digital strategies.
As part of this initiative, Oh My Cod Tours & Trips is reinforcing its presence in priority markets such as the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, and French-speaking countries. The company is committed to building a robust digital infrastructure that will drive its international growth and elevate its global visibility.
Supported by detailed action plans, this initiative drives the adoption of digital internationalization strategies grounded in Industry 4.0 technologies and processes. These innovations enable businesses to adapt their international models, remove geographic barriers, and transform how stakeholders interact across the value chain — ultimately enhancing the customer experience and strengthening global competitiveness.
This internationalization project reflects our ambition to share authentic Portuguese experiences with a wider audience while promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. By adopting innovative digital solutions and embracing global e-commerce trends, Oh My Cod Tours & Trips is positioning itself competitively in international markets and contributing to the local economy—bringing the richness of Portuguese culture and gastronomy to travelers around the world.