Found at: http://www.competitiveness.org/article/articleprint/590/-1/92
The Multilateral Investment Fund announced on the June, 1 their approval of a $1.7 million grant that will benefit small tourism companies along the Estrada Real in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Multilateral Investment Fund is an autonomous member of the IDB Group that promotes private sector growth in Latin America and the Caribbean through grants and investments.
The Estrada Real is a 1,400 kilometre long circuit connecting the historical sites of Brazil’s golden mining age, among them the colonial cities of Ouro Preto and Diamantina that have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Moreover it also offers opportunities for nature-based tourism.
A network of small businesses shall form a cluster and work together to proactively develop and market targeted tourism products. The network will be structured around a system of product and services based on quality standards and distinctive features that will add value to the Estrada Real area. It will be tested in three pilot areas: Ouro Preto, Santa Barbara and Sao João del Rey. Activities shall include developing a strategic business plan, developing a portfolio of tourism products ready to be marketed, promotional activities in the launching phase, training and a system of matching grants that will finance technical assistance to firms.
The project shall break new ground by creating a model for collaboration among small businesses in tourism and boost competitiveness and demand. The model can be applied to the entire Estrada Real tourism route and to other tourism destinations with similar characteristics. Among other goals, they shall be aiming to increase the Estrada Real’s brand name and image internationally.
The Instituto Estrada Real and the Federação das Indústrias do Estado de Minas Gerais are contributing the $1.7 million towards the project.
Source: The Bulletin Puerto Rico