Fishing tourism is on the rise, with projections suggesting it could be worth $252.7 billion by 2035. Wales is in a prime position to take advantage of this, as its stunning landscape and varied bodies of water mean there are plenty of different options for anglers.
Businesses that seek to tap into this booming sector now could flourish over the next decade. Wales could establish itself as a top destination for fishing tourism, as it has all the ingredients to succeed.
Interest in Fishing is on the Rise
The reason why the projections for fishing tourism are so high could be to do with the fact that the pastime has boomed in popular culture in the internet age. In the past, people needed to live near a lake or river and have access to an abundance of equipment to really experience fishing. Now, there are so many other ways for people to get into it.
The entertainment industry has played a huge role in this, with documentaries often being a way for people to first spark an interest in fishing. There are countless great shows in the UK belonging to the genre, with Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing up there with the best of them.
There are plenty of games that give people a taster of fishing as well. For instance, some of the best mobile games are based on the pastime, with Fishing Rival 3D and Hooked Inc: Fishing Games among the top recommended titles. Three of the current top 10 slots in the UK are fishing games as well, including Big Bass Splash and Big Bass Bonanza.
Another reason for this fishing craze could be that more people than ever are searching for new ways to enjoy nature. With screens taking up a large amount of people’s time, they need ways to reconnect with the natural world, and the fishing-themed entertainment we consume only further reminds us of this disconnect. Fishing in a real body of water is the perfect way to do that.
Offering River or Saltwater Fishing Packages Could Be Lucrative
There are a few different locations in Wales that businessowners could look into when developing fishing tourism packages. These vary between rivers, lakes, and coastal regions, with the potential for a tour to visit a variety of these locations.
The River Wye and the River Usk are already well-known for their salmon and trout fishing, attracting keen anglers from far and wide. It could be an excellent idea to capitalise on this fame by offering package tours that include guided fly fishing and hotel stays.
There are plenty of excellent hotels on the Welsh coast that could be used in the same way, for when tourists prefer saltwater fishing action. The Pembrokeshire Coast stands out in this regard, as there are already chartered fishing companies operating there. All it needs is an entrepreneur to connect the dots and combine everything into a handy package for tourists.
There’s so much potential for local partnerships and cross-promotions with fishing tours in Wales, and it feels like a sector that’s crying out for proper integration. Anyone who enters this market now has the potential for significant success in the coming years.
