Fish Tourism Initiative Taken

The Municipality of Avdiron (south of Xanthi) organized its first fish tourism conference and implemented the first pilot program of fish tourism in Greece within the framework of the “Fish Tourism” plan.

The Fish Tourism plan is co-financed by Interreg III – Archimed and Agrotouristiki. Interreg III is a community initiative that aims to stimulate interregional cooperation in the EU and is financed under the European Regional Development Fund.

According to Brigitta Papastavrou, chairman and managing director of Agrotouristiki, fish tourism is a new and attractive tourism product and if implemented it will be able to increase the income of the fishing industry.

“Fish tourism provides visitors with the opportunity to embark on fishing vessels, follow the lives of fishermen, assist with the work on the boat, learn about fish and also find out information about the region and its history,” she said.

“Once the fishing trip is completed and depending on the size and equipment of the vessel, crew and passengers can cook and enjoy the fish either on board or in a traditional local restaurant.”

Agrotouristiki is promoting the integration of fish tourism within the operational program “Fisheries” 2007-2013 of the Ministry of Rural Development in order for the fishermen to receive financial support for this activity.

A second fish tourism conference was organized recently by the municipality of Agios Kirykos in Ikaria, while other such conferences are planned for the various regions in Greece that have numerous fishing craft.