German Rowers Begin Pilot Project in Ebro to Boost Nautical Tourism

The initiative aims to establish a sustainable and active tourism model promoting the Terres de l'Ebre to the German market.

Image of a modern rowing boat navigating the Ebro River.
IA

Image of a modern rowing boat navigating the Ebro River.

A pilot project involving German rowers begins this Friday in the Terres de l'Ebre, aiming to consolidate a new model of sustainable and active nautical tourism connecting the Ebro River with the port of la Ràpita.

This initiative seeks to attract a segment of tourists who value sustainability, quality facilities and services, and are interested in exploring the territory. These visitors are expected to act as promoters in their home country, contributing to the internationalization of the region.
The base for the rowing teams' stays will be established in la Ràpita, with the port serving as the central hub. The Alfacs Bay and the Ebro River will be the main settings for the nautical activities.
A mixed team of 10 German rowers has had the opportunity to test a modern, collapsible, and sustainable boat, owned by the Institut per al Desenvolupament de les Comarques de l'Ebre (IDECE), designed to facilitate river navigation. The trial is divided into four descent stages, running between the Ebro River and the Alfacs Bay, passing through towns such as Ascó, Benifallet, Tortosa, Gola de Migjorn, and la Ràpita.
The logistics for these stages, taking place between May 1st and 4th, will be managed by the Club de Rem de Tortosa. The planned stages are: from Ascó to Benifallet on May 1st; from Benifallet to Tortosa on May 2nd; from Tortosa to Gola de Migjorn on May 3rd; and finally, to the port of la Ràpita on May 4th.
This new tourism product emerged from contacts established between Delta Ebre Port and the German Rowing Federation during the Boot Düsseldorf fair in January 2025. Following a scouting trip in late March 2025, a tourism proposal was defined, which is now being promoted in the German market and is becoming a reality in the Terres de l'Ebre.
The promotional effort is led by the Delta Ebre Port group, which includes Ports de la Generalitat, the Ajuntament de la Ràpita, the Patronat de Turisme de la Diputació de Tarragona a les Terres de l'Ebre, and the Cambra de Comerç de Tortosa. The Agència Catalana de Turisme, the IDECE, and the Club de Rem Tortosa also collaborated on the scouting trip.