Nautical tourism in Galicia: Administration experience
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Nautical tourism in Galicia: Administration experience
Iván Meléndez Medela, Director of Competitiveness of the Galicia Tourism Agency
Romina Fernández Pena, Director of Tourism of the Pontevedra Provincial Council
In this presentation, it was shared how public administrations are promoting nautical tourism in Galicia.
Nautical tourism: much more than sport
Nautical tourism goes beyond simple recreational activity. It is a key tool for the internationalization, deseasonalization and sustainability of the Galician tourism sector. The data proves it: in 2023, sports tourism recorded the highest average daily spending among Spanish tourists who visited Galicia, with €125.06 per day, even surpassing gastronomic tourism.
Numbers that speak for themselves
- In 2024, sports tourism generated 354,000 overnight stays in Galicia
- Average stay of 2.75 nights per visitor
- Average spending of €115 per person
- 128,548 people visited Galicia for sports reasons in 2024
- International tourism already represents 28% of total demand in Galicia
The main source countries are Portugal, United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, France and Ireland.
The bet of the Galicia Tourism Agency
The Tourism Strategy 2030 focuses on two fundamental pillars: quality and sustainability. To promote nautical tourism, the Agency acts through three channels:
- Sponsorships: €181,000 in 2024 for events such as the Conde de Gondomar Trophy or the 6M Regatta
- Agreements: more than 2.6 million euros with associations like Asnauga
- Aid lines: for municipalities and tourist establishments, including Next Generation funds
The nautical potential of Pontevedra
The province of Pontevedra is a true nautical paradise:
- 24 coastal municipalities and almost 400 km of coastline
- More than 30 marinas
- Nearly 4,600 berths available
- 365 days a year of navigability conditions
- Three estuaries (Vigo, Pontevedra and Arousa) plus four large navigable rivers
Romina highlighted that nautical tourism is not just about boats: it includes maritime excursions, whale watching, onboard gastronomy, kayaking, diving, and countless activities that connect with the maritime cultural traditions of the province.
The vision of the Pontevedra Provincial Council
From the Provincial Council, under the Turismo Rías Baixas brand, work is being done on:
- Supramunicipal coordination among the 24 coastal municipalities
- Provincial inventory of nautical resources (companies, clubs, associations, lighthouses…)
- Common tools: maps, promotion campaigns, search engines
- Subsidy lines for tourist activities and sports events
- Playa Sin Límite project (Next Generation funds) to promote the use of the coast throughout the year
The Rías Baixas Strategy 2030 includes 40 lines of action, more than 300 actions and 44 million euros of investment.
Deseasonalization: the great objective
Both speakers agreed that deseasonalization is crucial, not only to generate stable employment and economic profitability, but also for the sustainability of the destination and the coexistence between local population and tourists. Nautical tourism, being able to be practiced 12 months a year in Galicia, is perfect for achieving this objective.
Future challenges
To consolidate Galician nautical tourism, we need:
- Coordinated governance between administrations (the much-needed public-public collaboration)
- Sustainability as an operational standard
- Digital transformation of the sector
- Joint commercialization under strong brands like Rías Baixas
Conclusion
Nautical tourism in Galicia, and especially in Pontevedra, represents identity, sustainability and economic development. Public administrations are betting heavily with data, clear strategies and economic resources to position Galicia as a European reference in quality nautical tourism.
As Romina aptly summarized: nautical tourism is much more than boats, it is an economic engine that brings the territory together and keeps Galician maritime traditions alive.