Fishing and Tourism: Adding Value and Raising Customer's Awareness

In 2014, with all the changes affecting the economy and the fishing industry, commercial fishermen have no other choice than to innovate and adapt. That’s why the Regroupement des pêcheurs professionnels du sud de la Gaspésie and his members are setting up and supporting an innovative touristic project. As both fishing and tourism are key industries in the Gaspé peninsula, it was only natural to match them to develop such a new activity. The objectives of this initiative are to develop a top quality, well-structured and safe experience for tourists, based on the knowledge of professional fishermen, and to offer them a privileged contact with the crew. All these create a stronger sense of belonging between the visitors and the seafood they catch themselves as well as it’s educating them on this trade, about the protection measure taken and how to get a high quality product. Integrating tourism in their fishing activities presents many challenges for fishermen, but it also offers to the ones that make this choice the opportunity to improve their revenue and to extend their working season. In addition, it benefits the whole local tourism industry by offering new niche products that improve the value for everyone.