EAA’s German member – the Deutscher Angelfischerverband (DAFV) – participated early February in the REISEN & CARAVANING Hamburg 2026 trade fair. For the first time a new “Angeln & Reisen (Fishing & Travel)” theme area was successfully launched – with a dedicated stand & show stage of DAFV, attended by thousands of participants.
“Fishing and Travel” theme area – a successful launch with DAFV’s participation
From 5 to 8 February 2026, the new “Angeln & Reisen (Fishing & Travel)” theme area celebrated its successful premiere at the REISEN & CARAVANING Hamburg trade fair. Together with regional associations from Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein DAFV actively promoted angling as a sustainable and accessible tourism activity through a dedicated stand and show stage.
The DAFV stand attracted a wide and diverse audience, from families to travelling enthusiasts, and highlighted the strong link between fishing, tourism and outdoor recreation.
“…We use the fair to show that fishing is a contemporary, sustainable and socially relevant hobby. Many people are looking for relaxation in nature. Fishing is considered one of the last unadulterated nature experiences...” says Olaf Lindner (DAFV) as a first reaction on the “Fishing & Travel” theme area.
Over four days, DAFV distributed almost 10,000 posters, guides and recipe booklets of their #gehangeln campaign. This helped raise awareness of the topic of fishing in public spaces in the future.
Recreational fisheries: a sustainable tourism asset
EAA member DAFV was pleased that it could further promote recreational fisheries tourism activities during the fair, underlining the need for a “respectful approach to nature and resources”.
“Fishing, travelling and caravanning stand equally for experiencing nature, slowing down and authentic leisure activities. Whether on the lake, river or coast: all three themes connect people with landscapes away from everyday life.” according to DAFV.
In addition, “…Fishing is one of the last direct experiences of nature of our time. It is contemporary, sustainable and of great social importance. Many countries have long recognized this and are specifically promoting fishing tourism as a so-called “high value – low impact” activity that combines economic benefits with minimal ecological impact.” (LINK).
Looking back at the “Fishing and travel” theme area experience, Alexander Seggelke, Managing Director of the DAFV says:
“Fishing stands for conscious nature experiences, regional added value and a respectful approach to our waters. The new Fishing & Travel theme area impressively shows how well nature-based leisure activities, sustainable tourism and angling go together. The kick-off was good and the popularity confirms the growing social importance of recreational fishing”.
About the REISEN & CARAVANING Hamburg 2026 trade fair
Reisen & Caravaning Hamburg (RC Hamburg), northern Germany’s largest holiday trade fair, brought together 500 exhibitors across seven halls, showcasing tourism, caravanning, cycling, cruises and fishing.
The 2026 edition attracted around 60,000 visitors and 40 representatives from business and politics opened the event during the fair’s VIP-day.
Opening tour at REISEN & CARAVANING Hamburg 2026 at the DAFV stand.
(from left to right) Susanne Brennecke (Hamburg Tourism Association), Reinhard Meyer (DTV), Roland Bleinroth (Managing Director of Messe Stuttgart), Dr. Christoph Ploß (Federal Government Coordinator for Maritime Economy and Tourism), David Erklap (Tourism Policy Spokesman CDU Hamburg), Olaf Lindner (German Angling Association), Uwe Fischer (Managing Director of Messe Hamburg).
Photo: Johannes Arlt
Angling tourism – a hot topic for the EAA since many years!
Recreational angling is a leisure activity that allows people to be in contact with nature, friends and family. This popular hobby provides an opportunity to unwind and spend quality time with loved ones while enjoying the surroundings..
EAA views DAFV’s participation in the trade fair as a prime example of how recreational fisheries can contribute to Europe’s sustainable tourism agenda, and is calling for this to be recognised more strongly within EU tourism and blue economy policies. In July 2020, the European Parliament Forum on Recreational Fisheries and Aquatic Environment dedicated to a discussion on the contribution of angling to the recovery of the EU tourism sector, after the COVID-19 crisis. This as example of EAA’s attention to the further development of angling tourism. (LINK)
Fishing brings people together! Office manager Bettina Schnellbacher rolling up a poster featuring useful fishing knots
Eugen Zeller (biologist) and Karl-Heinz Meyer (executive director) from the Hamburg Angling Association provide information to trade show visitors about fishing opportunities in Hamburg
(c) Johannes Arlt – 2026
Sources & further reading
- New theme area “Fishing & Travel” at the REISEN & CARAVANING Hamburg 2026 trade fair
- Angling tourism must become an integral part of the EU’s tourism strategy – EAA Europe
- RecFishing Forum event on angling tourism: the report is available – EAA Europe
- The untapped potential of recreational angling tourism – EAA Europe
- New resolution on fisheries-related tourism adopted by the European Parliament – EAA Europe
