May 2025 marked a significant milestone for the FISATUR project, with the successful conclusion of its national Pitch Events in France, Spain, and Portugal. Across three sessions held on 5, 6, and 29 May, a total of 25 innovative projects were presented by entrepreneurs working at the intersection of fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and maritime heritage.
In each country, a panel of expert jurors selected two outstanding initiatives based on their originality, sustainability, and potential for regional impact. The selected projects reflect the diversity of approaches currently shaping the future of blue tourism across the Atlantic area.
France – 5 May 2025, Brest
The French event brought together eight entrepreneurial teams whose proposals aligned with FISATUR’s mission of promoting sustainable, heritage-based coastal tourism. The jury included Anne-Marie Corgne, Jérémy Guéguen, Nicolas Bernard, and Sarah Gérart, bringing expertise from marine innovation, regional development, tourism education, and business mentoring.
Awarded projects:
- 1st Prize: LFPM – Le Febvre Prestations Maritimes – Guided cruises in Brest Harbour led by local maritime professionals, integrating storytelling and environmental education.
- 2nd Prize: Breizh Coquillages – Interactive workshops and visits on sustainable shellfish farming, promoting traditional aquaculture techniques and ecological awareness.
Spain – 6 May 2025, Galicia
Held in Galicia, the Spanish Pitch Event welcomed nine project teams who completed the FISATUR incubation programme. The jury, Laura Nieto, Alexandra Touza, and Manuel Chorén, assessed the submissions on community relevance, innovation, and ecological impact.
Awarded projects:
- 1st Prize: Pescaturismo Nuevo Migueliño – Authentic fishing trips aboard a traditional vessel in the Rías Baixas, offering visitors a hands-on experience of local fishing practices.
- 2nd Prize: 13 Grados – A Vigo-based non-profit using virtual reality and underwater media to promote marine conservation through educational experiences.
Portugal – 29 May 2025, Viana do Castelo
The final national Pitch Event took place in Viana do Castelo and featured eight proposals that connected coastal heritage with sustainable tourism. The evaluation panel, Amélia Afonso, Carla Melo, Francisco Portela Rosa, and Rui Azevedo, judged the projects based on innovation, feasibility, alignment with local needs, and long-term sustainability.
Awarded projects:
- 1st Prize: Alto Minho Fly Fishing School – Portugal’s first catch-and-release fly fishing school, combining environmental education with ecotourism in the Minho River region.
- 2nd Prize: Preservation of Maritime Heritage in Esposende – Restoration of traditional boats supported by educational workshops and community-led cultural initiatives.
A shared vision for coastal innovation
The three events highlighted the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit emerging within the blue economy across the Atlantic area. From immersive cruises to digital storytelling and heritage restoration, the selected projects demonstrate how tourism can serve as a catalyst for innovation, cultural preservation, and regional development.
FISATUR thanks all participants in the incubation programme and looks forward to continuing its support for blue entrepreneurs across Europe’s Atlantic coastal regions.