LOCAL FOCUS GROUP CYPRUS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Larnaca, Cyprus-Fishing port 11/10/2017 4-8 pm Focus Group agenda (as set out in the Focus Groups Guidelines ): 1. Introduction of the TURISMED project and presentation of the business model (Christakis Damianou) 2. Evaluation of operative options at local level (feedback from fishermen and fishermen associations) (Christakis Damianou) 3. Role of the competent authorities(christakis Damianou) 4. Potential synergies with local touristic bodies and/or local authorities(marinos Giannakou) 5. Feedback from fishermen and fishery associations (ALL) The Focus Group was composed of a limited number of persons so to ensure the active participation in the discussion by all of them. The selection of participants was based on the shareholder s engagement list. It included representatives from fishermen that expressed interest to be involved in the project (testing phase). The following categories were present: Professional fishermen: 15 Representative of the Pan Cyprian fishermen association: 1 Fish restaurant owner: 1 Academics: 2 The representative of the Department of merchant shipping could not make it. The representative of fishery could not make it also. Most fishermen present were based in the Larnaca fishing port. Fishermen from other areas were invited, but did not show up. It seems that separate focus groups must be organized in the site of the fishermen (for example at Ayia Napa, Latsi and Paphos areas). 1. Introduction of the project and presentation of the business model The presentation was performed by Christakis Damianou (Professor, Cyprus University of Technology). Dr Damianou presented the focus of the TURISMED project. Then Dr Damianou presented the draft business model agreed during the Partnership Workshop held in Marseille on the 11th of July. He explained the different options for fishing tourism which were based on the Feasibility Study gathered in the TURISMED project. A discussion was initiated concerning the adaptation for the local needs. 1
2. Evaluation of operative options at local level All fishermen in the meeting agreed that the main target group is foreign tourists and then local tourists. The fishermen stated that there is already great demand for fishing tourism. There are 4-5 boat owners who have obtained permit from the department of merchant shipping (DMS) to curry tourists for fishing. However, these people are not fishermen. They expressed that tourists prefer experience with professional fishermen. Many fishermen complaint that the department of fishery is not pushing the legislature for fishing tourism aggressively. The fishing tourism concept was promised to them many years ago by the Government, but nothing happened. Several fishermen stated that in order to apply the safety features required by the Department of merchant shipping will cost around 30,000 Euros. At the moment the fishermen barely survive, because they cannot catch enough amount of fish. Therefore most of the fishermen cannot afford to carry tourists for fishing. They stated that only some boat owner (not fishermen) can afford to provide fishing trips to tourists. This is already happening in Ayia Napa, Larnaca, and Paphos and Latsi area At the end of the discussion one fisherman (Yiannis Loutsios) shows us 2 boat (see photo at the end) that have license for fishing trips. In these boats they can accommodate 20-40 tourists. Channels Fishermen proposed different means to attract customers: Website, social media (especially Facebook), posters and tourist agents. Customer relationships Most fishermen don t speak English. However we have met some fishermen who speak English. One remedy suggested is to use mimicking gestures and signs or have a prerecorded translation in English. The fishermen have easy access to produce leaflets in English. Some fishermen stated that they have attended courses about safety and marketing. These programs were provided free by Governmental programs. Revenue streams The main source of revenues from the starting of the fishing tourism activity comes from the selling of the tickets. Some boats charge around 300 Euros (includes fishing lessons, sightseeing, buffet lunch, limousine service from the hotel) for a half day trip. The fishermen have good relationships with fish taverns in many areas of the island. They expressed that it is very easy to make deals with fish taverns. 2
Key activities Experience professional fishing by observing practicing sport fishing under the direction of the fishermen; Sightseeing trips along the coastal areas -Swimming in areas with clean water. Key resources All participants identified the same resources highlighted in the framework of the Business Model: Professional fishermen with a fishing tourism permit with good knowledge of the local fishing areas; A boat which is safely equipped; Promotional materials (posters in the fishing ports, social media- facebook, and leaflets etc.). Key partners Mostly tourism operators and collaboration among fishermen. They mentioned that in a specific day a fisherman maybe fully booked. Then he can refer tourists to a fisherman with whom have good collaboration (fishery cooperatives). Costs structure Main costs in performing fishing tourism activity are as follows: Fixed costs -Costs for the adaptation of the vessel or its equipment for safety. -Certification costs -Maintenance costs -Insurance of the vessel -Training cost -Promotional material cost -Variable costs Fuel, food and staff cost. 3. Role of the competent authorities Many fishermen were very angry with the department of fishery because legislature for fishing tourism was not prepared yet. According to communication that we have with the department of merchant shipping, the department of fishery must supply some specifications. As a university we try to push the procedure so that a legislature goes to the parliament as soon as possible. We agree to talks two members of the parliament who worked at our university to push the legislature for fishing tourism. 3
4. Potential synergies with local touristic bodies and/or local authorities It was emphasized that collaboration with local hotels tour operators must be initiated in order to have a good business model. 5. Feedback from fishery cooperatives and associations The president of the fishermen association (Christodoulos Charalabous) explained that his organization can play the role of informing its members about possible funding mechanisms regarding purchasing safety equipment. They can also assist for offering training programs for fishing tourism. Other activities The president of the fishermen association (Christodoulos Charalabous) suggested that we attend a meeting in the parliament on 17/10/2017 to discuss the problems of the fishermen. One of the issues they will raise is the delays in preparing the legislature for fishing tourism. Crowd sourcing platform They found that such platform is necessary. They are willing to be trained for implementing a business model for fishing tourism. They recommended that this platform should be available in smart phones since most fishermen do not have access to PCs. Recruitment for training in a country outside Cyprus We have identified to fishermen who were enthusiastic about the concept of fishing tourism. One of them is the president of the fishermen association (Christodoulos Charalabous) who managed to bring 15 fishermen in the meeting. The other fishermen is Yiannis Loutsios who was a very active participant and gave us a guided tour of the boats in the Larnaca fishing port including those that have permit to carry tourists for fishing. 4
Pictures during the meeting 5
Guide tour in the fishing port. 6
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