The signatures for the creation of the Fishing Tourism Management Group (ODAT), by the Deputy Ministers of Rural Development and Food, Christos Kella, and of Tourism, Elena Rapti, have been signed, in the context of the reactivation of an existing memorandum of cooperation.

“The connection between fishing and tourism promotes sustainable development and contributes to the protection of marine resources” said Mr. Kellas in his statement and added “with our actions we actively support initiatives that highlight the good practices of the fishing activity, creating a strong tool of sustainable economic and environmental progress for local communities”.

For her part, Mrs. Rapti noted that “fishing tourism is an emerging sector that combines tradition and authenticity with the modern tourist experience” pointing out, among other things, that “It is a special form of tourism that can offer significant economic and social benefits to the coastal and island communities of Greece, through sustainable practices”.

It is noted that up to now licenses have been granted to 307 coastal fishing vessels active in fishing tourism.

In the context of promoting the prescribed objectives of the Memorandum, but also more generally to achieve the development of cooperation between the co-competent Ministries and the competent bodies, the working group will proceed with the following project:

– Monitoring the progress of the implementation of the memorandum of cooperation signed on 17.02.2022 between the HYPAAT and the Ministry of Tourism

– Recommending actions or other actions to achieve the best results,

– Writing, formulation and monitoring of the National Strategy for the Promotion of Fishing Tourism (ESPAT) and any issues that arise.

– Proposal on the amendment of a new memorandum of cooperation.