Read about the successful practices in cycling tourism presented at the 3rd Bike Friendly Forum during the Philoxenia 2023 exhibition. Learn about the cycling cities of Greece and the collaboration with hotels and travel agencies.
The 3rd Bike Friendly Forum at Philoxenia 2023: Successful Practices in Cycling Tourism
Read about the successful practices in cycling tourism presented at the 3rd Bike Friendly Forum during the Philoxenia 2023 exhibition. Learn about the cycling cities of Greece and the collaboration with hotels and travel agencies.
Bike Friendly participated once again in the international tourism exhibition Philoxenia 2023, organizing the 3rd Bike Friendly Forum, where successful examples of certified destinations, hotels, and services catering to cycling tourists were presented. The Forum took place on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the “Nikolaos Germanos” Conference Center of the Thessaloniki International Fair (T.I.F.) and aimed to highlight the prospects of cycling tourism in Greece.
The Forum began with greetings from key representatives of the tourism industry. Among them were Mr. Nikos Kelaiditis, president of the Association of Greek Travel and Tourism Agencies, Mr. Lysandros Tsilidis, president of the Federation of Hellenic Associations of Travel & Tourist Agencies, Mr. Giorgos Pelekanakis, president of the Panhellenic Federation of Hotel Managers, and Mr. Nikos Diamantopoulos, general manager of Marketing Greece.
The Forum kicked off with a presentation of the Bike Friendly label by Ms. Vicky Karantzavelou, general manager of NatTour. Following that, Michael Maier, head of tourism at the federal office of ADF, the German Cycling Federation, presented the profile of cycling tourists from Germany.
In the session “Cycling Cities of Greece – Bike Friendly Destinations,” the cases of Alexandroupoli, Skiathos, Aristotelis, and Edessa were showcased. These cities have developed infrastructure and services that make them attractive destinations for cyclists.
In the session “Hotels and Cycling,” the topic of bike rental and usage agreements by hotels was analyzed extensively by lawyer Mr. Lazaros Pavlidis, covering the rights, obligations, and conditions. Applied cycling service practices in hotels such as Sali Boutique Hotel, Bella Cisterna, Castelli Hotel, and Golden Star City Resort were also discussed. These practices include bike rental services, organizing cycling tours, and adapting their facilities to meet cyclists’ needs.
In the session “Travel Agencies and Cycling Companies,” cycling tourism as a leisure activity for individuals aged 50+ and related European policies were presented by Mr. Christos Petreas, scientific advisor of the Bike Friendly Network and expert-consultant for Regional and Tourism Development, CEO of 50 Plus-Hellas – NGO for individuals over 50 years old. Additionally, applied service practices from Astir Club, Solebike, Leros Bikes Cycling Store, and Saraya Resort were discussed.
The 3rd Bike Friendly Forum demonstrated that cycling tourism, especially the gentle movement of tourists by bike, has significant growth potential in Greece. Greek destinations, businesses, and organizations that adopt cycling services for visitors/tourists have the opportunity to leverage the benefits of cycling tourism to develop the local economy and promote all forms of tourism offered in Greece in a gentle and environmentally friendly way.
