The Cabildo de La Palma, through the public company Sodepal and in collaboration with the Government of the Canary Islands, presented yesterday in the Salazar Palace the results of the first year of the implementation of the project 'La Palma, smart commercial destination', a strategic commitment to modernise the island's commercial fabric through digitalisation and economic diversification.

The event was attended by the President of the Cabildo, Sergio Rodríguez; the Councillor for Economic Promotion, Trade and Digital Transformation and CEO of Sodepal, Miriam Perestelo, and the Director General of Trade of the Government of the Canary Islands, David Mille.

Rodríguez stressed that "today's consumer, whether resident or visitor, is permanently connected and uses digital tools to search for products, compare prices or make purchases. That is why it is essential to provide local businesses with digitalisation tools to make them more competitive. 

In his speech, he added that this project not only strengthens individual companies, but also contributes to diversify the economy of La Palma, especially in a post-volcanic eruption scenario. "It is a tool that helps to recover activity and to face future crises more solidly", he stressed.

Miriam Perestelo highlighted the transformative approach of the initiative, stating that "we want to open up new opportunities for the sector, integrating commerce, tourism and culture. Online platforms, digital directories and social networks allow businesses to be present where their potential customers are. By adding culture and tourism to commerce, we can design innovative experiences, such as virtual routes, which broaden the attractiveness of the island and generate synergies between sectors".

The Director General of Trade of the Canary Islands Government, David Mille, highlighted the importance of this type of project to move towards a more competitive economic model, indicating that "the digitalisation of trade is not just an option, it is a necessity. The Canary Islands Government supports initiatives that encourage SMEs to make this technological leap, because we know that their future depends on being present in the digital world".

About 'La Palma, an intelligent commercial destination

The proposal is working on the creation of an island map of commerce through an online platform and a mobile application, which will function as a digital directory of Palmeros businesses and a virtual showcase for residents and tourists.

The tool also integrates a direct communication system between the administration and the companies, which will make it possible to speed up procedures and efficiently disseminate information on training, subsidies, consumer vouchers or events aimed at the sector.

The project also includes digital training adapted to the reality of the businesses, in the form of training pills accessible at any time; a personalised accompaniment programme, with digital dynamisers who will work directly with a sample of pilot companies, and cultural and tourist promotion actions linked to the island's Open Commercial Zones, with the aim of boosting economic activity and attracting a wider public.

La Palma, destino comercial inteligente' is financed by the Government of the Canary Islands through the Directorate General for Trade and co-financed by the European Union within the framework of the ERDF Canary Islands programme.