Greece Can Become Leader in Fishing Tourism, Says Minister

Greek Rural Development and Food Minister Eleftherios Avgenakis. Photo source: Rural Development and Food Ministry

Tapping into fishing tourism can support local communities, preserve jobs and attract more visitors, said Rural Development and Food Minister Lefteris Avgenakis during the Fishing Tourism conference held this week.

Addressing the event organized by the Attica Island Municipality Network and the Kavala Development Agency, Avgenakis said the tourism segment had great potential for Greece and that relevant ministries should work together to develop and promote it.

Additionally, he said “fishing tourism increases environmental awareness and strengthens the protection of sensitive ecosystems, while at the same time highlighting Greece’s natural environment”.

Avgenakis said the ministry had supported actions and initiatives aimed at reviving traditional fishing occupations by offering incentives, improving working conditions and increasing wages to attract new generations. He added that an Amateur Fishermen Registry would be reinstated.

These actions are covered in a bill to be tabled in the coming weeks in parliament and which includes policies that will allow fishing tourism activities such as fish farm operators offering fishing tours on boats.

Funding for the development of fishing tourism will come from the ministry’s “Fisheries, Aquaculture and the Marine” 2021-2027 program aimed at upgrading sea vessels, replacing fishing gear and infrastructure, and supporting professional fishing.

“Fishing tourism remains an unexplored opportunity for Greece even today. An opportunity that can enhance the tourism product but also support local communities,” he said.