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Fishing tourism is growing at an unprecedented rate across the globe with European anglers among those taking advantage of the boom.
The global fishing tourism market was estimated to be worth US$72.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to US$211.1 billion in 2033 – an increase of more than 10% in a decade. The news coincides with an increase in the manufacture of travel fishing rods and kits and underlines its potential as a growth sector for the industry.
The US is the largest market for the increasing sector – estimated to take up to 18.3% of the market – followed by Australia (6.3%) and Japan (5.8%) according to figures released by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs-funded CBI, the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries.
Anglers from Germany, Italy, the UK, Sweden, the Netherlands and France are the most willing to travel, visiting a wide range of destinations in developing nations to fish. Popular is freshwater fishing in large rivers like the Amazon (Brazil), Zambesi (Zambia/Zimbabwe), Essequibo (Guyana), Kerala Backwaters (India), Mekong (Thailand/Laos/Cambodia/Vietnam) and Rio San Juan (Nicaragua).
Sustainable fishing is a major trend in fishing tourism with anglers increasingly conscious of the environment and need to protect fish species and respect their habitats. “Through their passion, they can see first-hand the harmful effects of pollution, commercial overfishing, habitat destructions and other threats to aquatic life,” says the report. “Recreational anglers have long been a strong voice for conservation – good stocks of healthy fish make for a more satisfying fishing experience.
“Sustainable fishing practices are much more common these days, and fishing tourism operators are also adopting more sustainable fishing practices.
“Growth in the interest in recreational fishing is being driven by an overarching desire to spend more time outdoors, in nature. A trend that really took off during the COVID-19 pandemic, getting away from it all, ‘recharging batteries’ and focusing on physical and mental health, all became reasons for wanting to spend more time outdoors. Fishing in peaceful, tranquil places is a calming activity and is known to help reduce stress. Fishing in more challenging situations, like deep sea fishing, is exhilarating and exciting.”
This trend is also leading to a demand for greater personalisation and customisation of trips, and for specialised experiences. The range is large, which provides great opportunities for local tour operators. Private fishing charters, personalised guiding services and tailor-made itineraries based on fishing goals are being sought after. They can also be personalised to cater for different skills levels, which is good to attract newcomers to the sport as well as non-fishing companions.
“This trend matches the need of anglers looking for fishing experiences in exotic and remote destinations to catch species they may never have caught before. These destinations are usually off the beaten track and out in spectacular nature. Game fishing in both freshwater and saltwater locations is amongst the most popular forms of fishing while on a fishing tourism trip.”
Picture supplied by CBI Ministry of Foreign Affairs
