Sahara: International Fishing Tourism Federation set up in Dakhla

The first International Federation of Fishing Tourism has been established lately in the Moroccan Saharan city of Dakhla in the presence of professional sport-fishermen, and national and foreign tourism operators.

Representatives of several countries including Spain, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Tunisia and Mauritania took part in the Constitutive Assembly of this new entity which elected the Federation’s President and members of management board.

The goal of the International Federation is to promote fishing tourism, sustainable tourism and protect marine ecosystems. It also aims to attract tourists looking for a sustainable fishing experience, while respecting international guidelines and ethic code.

President of the international federation of fishing tourism Otman Aamar said that the creation of this Federation will give a new momentum to recreational fishing in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region which has become a popular sport fishing destination.

Fishing tourism is a large tourism niche that makes an important contribution to local economies having natural resources and a well-established fishing infrastructure.

There are 25 million recreational anglers in Europe, which makes it an important source market for fishing tourism. Germany, Italy and the UK are amongst the leading markets. Sustainability is a major trend in fishing tourism, as anglers understand the need to protect fish species and respect their habitats.