After four inspiring days in France, the Trade Navigation Tour (TNT) sailed south, reaching Viveiro, Spain, on 24 September 2025. This stage of the tour immersed participants in the Galician coast, a region renowned for its rich maritime identity, where fishing traditions, aquaculture, and cultural heritage continue to shape local communities and tourism experiences.
Throughout Viveiro, San Cibrao, and Burela, the TNT highlighted the unique intersection between fishing, shipbuilding, and maritime traditions. The day kicked off with a visit to the fish auction market in Celeiro, one of the most significant markets in northern Spain. This was followed by a guided tour titled “Wood and the Sea in the Life of its People” with ACD MAR, which included stops at the Fra Shipyards and the Provincial Maritime Museum. These visits reinforced the connection between fishing, maritime heritage, and tourism, illustrating how coastal communities can transform their historical practices into distinctive, sustainable tourism experiences.
Mentoring and Strategy Sessions in Vilagarcía de Arousa
On 25 September, the TNT continued its journey to Vilagarcía de Arousa, where mentor Lanzada Calatayud led the third mentoring session aboard the La Peregrina boat. The session introduced the 5 Whys methodology, a problem-solving approach that helps participants explore challenges, identify root causes, and develop effective strategic solutions. Key topics included improving visitor experiences, multilingual communication, and preserving traditional maritime techniques, helping participants focus on sustainable solutions for their local initiatives.
Knowledge Transfer and Community Engagement
The tour then moved to Vilagarcía de Arousa on 26 September, for an event focused on education, knowledge transfer, and community involvement. The day featured a shellfish harvesting workshop with the AMARCARRIL Shellfish Gatherers’ Association, where students from CEIP Plurilingüe Rosalía de Castro School learned directly from local shellfish gatherers about sustainable practices and the cultural significance of maritime activities. This immersive experience underscored the role of education and tourism in preserving heritage and strengthening the bond between the sea and local communities.
A Reception and Regional Maritime Tourism Event in Baiona
Later on 26 September, the TNT reached Baiona, where local officials, including Jesús Vázquez Almuíña, Mayor of Baiona, and Javier Touza, President of FUNDAMAR, highlighted the importance of initiatives like FISATUR in preserving maritime heritage, supporting aquaculture, and integrating these sectors into tourism diversification.
Forums, Exhibitions, and Workshops in Baiona and A Guarda
On 27 September, the TNT concluded its visit to Baiona and A Guarda with a full day of forums, exhibitions, and cultural experiences. Highlights included:
- The Regional Maritime Tourism Event: Seafaring Baiona,
- The award ceremony for “O Mar nas Mans”,
- A photographic exhibition, “A vida Submarina”, by 13 Grados.
The day also featured interactive workshops, including a session on marine science tourism with North Wind, as well as a guided tour of Baiona’s maritime heritage, demonstrating how traditional knowledge and local entrepreneurship are driving innovation in sustainable coastal tourism.
A Successful Conclusion to the Spanish Stage
The Spanish stage of the TNT concluded on a high note, with dynamic activities that showcased the strong connection between fishing, aquaculture, maritime heritage, and sustainable tourism. Over the course of several days in Viveiro, San Cibrao, Burela, Vilagarcía de Arousa, Baiona, and A Guarda, the tour demonstrated inspiring examples of how local communities are embracing innovation while preserving their rich cultural traditions.
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