Italia-Croatia

D1 – National Legal and Policy Review Report

The PESTOUR project addresses the socioeconomic challenges affecting coastal and island communities within the Italy–Croatia cooperation area, where small-scale fisheries are negatively impacted by economic decline, depopulation and the limited diversification of activities.
The project aims to promote fishing tourism as a tool for sustainable development by improving the regulatory, institutional and operational framework supporting its growth.
Although its potential is recognised in both countries, legislative differences, limited cooperation and the absence of a shared strategy continue to restrict its development. PESTOUR intends to establish a common approach through a comparative analysis of legislation, the exchange of good practices, stakeholder engagement, training activities and opportunities for dialogue.
The project seeks to strengthen cooperation among public authorities, fishers, tourism operators and other relevant stakeholders, encouraging a more coordinated and sustainable management of fishing tourism. Through knowledge transfer, policy alignment and cross-border cooperation, PESTOUR represents a starting point for the diversification of coastal economies, the enhancement of maritime heritage and the resilience of Adriatic communities.