Delta Ebre Port has launched the Ebre Rowing Tour, a new active tourism initiative in Terres de l'Ebre, following a successful pilot programme. The tour, which saw 10 German rowers travel the Ebre river from Ascó to La Ràpita, seeks to establish the region as a leading destination for sustainable, year-round nautical tourism.
Helena Queral, Tourism Councillor for La Ràpita Town Council, expressed strong approval for the initial experience. She stated, "These days we have sown a seed that we hope will bear fruit in the future," adding that the project benefits not only La Ràpita but the entire territory by promoting sustainable tourist navigation on the Ebre river.
The pilot tour involved a staged journey adapted to the river's conditions, with sections between Ascó, Benifallet, Tortosa, and the river mouth, concluding in the Alfacs bay and docking at La Ràpita port. This experience combined sports with the discovery of the local landscape, culture, and gastronomy.
Boosting River Tourism
Bibiana Porres, director of IDECE, highlighted that the project aligns fully with their work to promote river tourism. She stressed the importance of having specific boats for such experiences and confirmed plans to "work to incorporate improvements that make navigation even more comfortable and consolidate this proposal in the long term."
Enric Adell, president of the Tarragona Provincial Council Tourism Board, emphasised that the initiative is a result of joint efforts between administrations and international partners. He said, "Any action that adds value to the Ebre river as a tourist asset is key to positioning the territory with a sustainable, quality model."
Enric Martínez, director of the southern port zone for Ports de la Generalitat, praised Delta Ebre Port's role as a cooperation platform. He noted, "This action is a clear example of the capacity to attract tourism linked to nautical activities," and highlighted La Ràpita port's potential as a key infrastructure with over 1,800 moorings and a clear commitment to tourist development.
International Recognition and Future Plans
Òscar Cid, president of Club de Rem Tortosa, explained the technical details of the route. He pointed out the importance of modular boats adapted to the river, which "allow for safe navigation and open the door to new rowing-related tourism initiatives."
Michael Stoffels, president of the Rowing Areas, Environment, Technology, and Climate department at the German Rowing Federation, gave positive feedback on the experience. He suggested the Ebre river "has great potential to be part of European rowing tourism circuits," citing the combination of sport and complementary tourist offerings as a major draw. Stoffels confirmed the intention to include the Ebre Rowing Tour in European river route catalogues, which could attract more international groups in the coming years.
