Recreational angling tourism deserves far more recognition in the EU’s tourism agenda. That’s the key message from EFTTA and the European Anglers Alliance (EAA) in their joint response to the European Commission’s recent consultation on how to improve and grow tourism across Europe.
While the consultation covered all kinds of tourism, EFTTA and EAA made sure one message stood out clearly: angling tourism has enormous potential — for people, for local economies, and for nature.
A hidden giant of European tourism
Across Europe, millions of anglers travel each year in search of great fishing experiences — from salmon rivers in Finland to sea bass in Portugal or trout lakes in the Alps. These travellers stay longer, spend more, and bring income to places far beyond the usual tourist hotspots.
A 2022 Danish study showed that angling tourists spend around €150 per day on accommodation, food, guides, permits and tackle — money that goes straight into local jobs and communities. And unlike many other forms of tourism, angling can thrive year-round in both urban and remote regions.
Nature, management and local value
Angling tourism doesn’t just generate income — it also drives better fisheries management. Successful destinations depend on healthy fish stocks with natural age structures and the presence of big fish. This encourages science-based, sustainable practices and community support for conservation.
Importantly, angling can even create economic opportunities within marine protected areas (MPAs) — places where commercial fishing is restricted. Well-managed recreational angling offers locals a new, sustainable use of these waters and helps build positive attitudes towards MPAs.
Making Europe easier for sportfishing
To unlock its full potential, EFTTA and EAA call for more visibility, easier access, and better coordination. A multilingual “one-stop” website could help travellers plan and book angling trips — with reliable information on local regulations, licences, guides, accommodation and rental options.
As a 2022 research paper by Olga Hannonen (University of Eastern Finland) and Gijsbert Hoogendoorn (University of Johannesburg) points out, “Significantly more studies are required to understand this tourism activity fully.” Europe’s policymakers should take this as an invitation to explore — and support — this growing and sustainable sector.
More:
=> Angling Tourism in Coastal and Natural Denmark in 2022
=> Research: Angling Tourism – A State-of-th-Art Review
