Bike Friendly: Cycling tourism is “running” in Greece

The bicycle that has dynamically entered the lives of tourists and residents in areas from the edge to the edge of Greece, the use of its use and its connection with tourism, was discussed at its event. NatTour, “Bike Friendly Forum 2022” held as part of this year’s Hospitality in Thessaloniki.

Cycling tourism is high on the agenda of the Ministry of Tourism, the deputy minister pointed out Sophia Zaharaki, who was at the event and emphasized “that actions and moves have already been made and continue to be made that will strengthen the specific sector, as our country has the potential to support it and become a pole of attraction for those who also love cycling”.

“We have already signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport – Ministry of Tourism – KEDE and NGOs “Bicycle Cities” for the creation of a National Coordination Center for the development of the Eurovelo network in Greece and its promotion Cycling Tourismthe utilization of an inactive railway network, the unanimous inclusion of Greece (represented by the Eurovelo National Coordination Center) in the European Eurovelo Cycle Path Network.

At the same time, the establishment (in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Environment and Energy) of an inter-ministerial working group to promote the use of bicycles and bicycle tourism is underway,” said Mrs. Zaharaki.

She also emphasized that the signing of a memorandum between natTour and POX, as well as the upcoming bike friendly networking event this December, is of particular importance for the cooperation and exchange of ideas between all the members of the bike friendly network.

The bicycle friendly network already counts ten certified – selected – destinations, 130 certified hotels-accommodations, and more than thirty cycling businesses, aiming to create a Greece that is friendlier to cycling and cyclists and, accordingly, a cycling community that actively contributes. in the social and economic life of the country through the response of a cycle tourism network, which strengthens tourism as a whole.

Its general manager NatTour, Vicky Karanzavelou who created the “Bike Friendly” brand, referred to the effort that has already paid off and to future plans, starting with a new collaboration with the entry of tour operators into their large team.

“We promote cycling in tourism. We want the tourist to use the bicycle for his movements around the hotel where he is staying, in his movements, in his walks. Our company, which manages the “Bike Friendly” brand, which since 2016 has certified hotels, municipalities and partners, is making a new opening and just a few days ago we signed a memorandum of cooperation with the association of Greek agencies to start certifying tourism offices. This way the owners of the agencies that will send the tourist to bike will know when they recommend the tours and trips to destinations around the country. The most important thing is for everyone to learn that using a bicycle is a form of transportation for everyone regardless of age and ability,” said Mrs. Karanzavelou.

Representatives who have cycling routes and organize events and actions in their area, as well as hoteliers who cooperate with the network, were placed at the event.