Fishing Tourism in Cyprus: an alternative way to learn traditional fishing culture

An initiative started in the region of Larnaca for experiencing fishing tourism in a fisheries-dependent region, Zygi (a small fishing village). The main objective was to provide entertainment and awareness to residents and tourists in order to protect the natural social and cultural environment through their contact and participation in traditional fishing activities. As well, as to engage fishermen with the tourism hospitality, the demonstration of their work, and the information on the marine environment and traditional ways of fishing.
The practice of fishing tourism was funded by the FLAG-ANETEL and included the upgrading of the ship vessels to be used for fishing tourism. The project funded fishing tours where the visitors could learn about the fishing activities as well as to get an explanation of the history of the village and the traditional fishing activity. Also, it provided information of the areas of particular ecological importance (for bird watching, walking, etc.), as well as information of the local monuments and things to see and visit in Zygi. The visitor was boarded on the fishing vessels and they were offered a traditional fishing trip and fishing or a trip practicing traditional ways of fishing (fishing nets, rod, etc.) A meal consisting of fish and seafood was cooked in a traditional way (the catch of the day) by the fisherman on board who also showed to visitor how to clean the fish, how to cook it and telling them different stories.