4th Bike Friendly Forum: The Bike Friendly Network at the Heart of Sustainable Tourism and Cycling

The event took place at the “Nikolaos Germanos” Conference Center and brought together a multitude of tourism professionals, confirming the importance of promoting cycling tourism and soft mobility in Greece.

Greetings and Opening Speeches

The event began with greetings from representatives of the tourism sector:

• Mr. Nikos Kelaiditis, President of the Association of Hellenic Tourist and Travel Agencies (HATTA), endorsed the importance of the Bike Friendly initiative and the strengthening of alternative/thematic tourism in Greece, as well as the great prospects that cycling tourism has in the country.
• Ms. Eleni Papia, member of the Board of Directors of the Thessaloniki Hoteliers Association, emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable practices and supporting cycling tourism for hotel businesses.

This was followed by a presentation by Ms. Vicky Karantzavelou, General Manager of NATTOUR, entitled “Soft mobility, cycling tourism and the Bike Friendly label”. Ms. Karantzavelou analyzed the importance of soft mobility and cycling tourism as pillars for the development of sustainable tourism practices, presenting the “Bike Friendly” label as a tool for certifying and promoting bike-friendly destinations and businesses.

Sections and Speeches

The forum included three main sections, each with specific presentations and discussions

1. Cycling Cities and Destinations of Greece – Bike Friendly Destinations

In this section, representatives from municipalities and tourism organizations presented their initiatives to promote cycling tourism:

Ms. Maria Pappa, Tourism Marketing Consultant of the Municipality of Aristotelis, presented the “ZORBA THE GREEK project – THE TREKKING & BIKING”, highlighting the hiking and cycling routes linked to the cultural heritage of the region.

Mr. Petros Kyriakides, Deputy Mayor for Tourism of the Municipality of Alexandroupolis, developed the topic “Cultivating the Cycling Mindset in Alexandroupolis: Challenges and Prospects in a Bike-Friendly City”, analyzing the city’s efforts to integrate cycling into its daily life.

Mr. Thodoris Tzoumas, Mayor of Skiathos, presented the “Civil, walking and cycling routes in Skiathos”, highlighting the connection of the island’s cultural wealth with cycling routes.

Mr. Giorgos Christakis, Deputy Mayor for Tourism of the Municipality of Chios, spoke about “Chios: An island with sports cycling”, highlighting the island’s potential for organizing cycling races and events.

Mr. Evangelos Kyriakou, representative of the Municipal Public Benefit Enterprise of Edessa, developed the topic “Bike Friendly Destination: A goal on many levels”, analyzing the multi-level efforts of Edessa to become a bicycle-friendly city and to highlight a unified experience for the visitor.

2. Hotels, Wineries and Cycling

This section focused on the practices implemented by hotels and wineries or visits to support cycling tourism:

• Ms. Chrysa Argyrakaki, Co-Founder and Administrator of the “Common Future” Communal Association and Member of the Ethic Up Evaluation Committee, representative of the Sali Boutique Hotel in Alexandroupolis, presented the topic “Ethical cycling routes – Ethic Up Label”, analyzing the importance of ethical practices in cycling tourism and certification with the Ethic Up label, while highlighting the multifaceted and particular aspects of both the daily cycling of locals and the transportation of visitors.
• Ms. Giota Limnaiou, General Manager of Quattro Suites in Monemvasia, presented the hotel’s important initiatives to upgrade its hospitality. Quattro Suites, based in Monemvasia, has managed to combine modern hospitality with the support of sports tourism since its opening in June 2023. In her speech, Ms. Limneou highlighted the importance of the Bike Friendly Hotel certification, the possibilities for cyclists, such as electric bikes and organized tours, as well as the organization of the first triathlon race in Monemvasia, which was supported by the local community.
• Mr. Gabriel Spyrou, Head of Guest Relations & Operations at Kallichoron Art Boutique Hotel in Astypalaia, presented the hotel’s experience in serving guests who love cycling. His speech included examples of good practices implemented by Kallichoron for a sustainable experience that also includes cycling, while also highlighting the multi-faceted experience hotel policy on sustainability issues.
• Mr. Alexandros Kyriakis, General Manager of Ananti Resort & Spa in Trikala, presented the unit’s approach to integrating cycling tourism into its services. Mr. Kyriakis developed the topic “Authentic Hospitality Experience in a Unique Destination: The Hotel as a Gateway to Discovery”, focusing on the combination of the hotel’s services with the possibilities of multiple activities in the wider area, a combination that contributes to the upgraded experience and satisfaction of visitors.
• Ms. Elpida Palamida, representative of KYR-YIANNI in Naoussa, presented the topic “Green and Experiential Wine Tourism”. In her speech, she highlighted the importance of connecting wine tourism with cycling tourism, promoting experiences that combine wine tasting with cycling routes. Ms. Palamida emphasized that the KYR-YIANNI has developed routes through its vineyards, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the local wine tradition in combination with exploring nature by bicycle.

3. Tourist Offices and Cycling Companies

This section focused on the practices and methods applied by bicycle shops, cycling companies and tourist offices to ensure a unique cycling experience for the visitor to various destinations in Greece:

• Mr. Manos Vassilas, founder of Aurelia Bikes in Naxos, spoke about innovation in the design of high-performance bicycles, adapted to the needs of tourism. In his speech entitled “Sustainable tourism and cultural heritage: The electric bicycle as an alternative, ecological means of exploring the culture, gastronomy and traditions of Naxos and the Cyclades”, he stressed the importance of producing and providing bicycles designed for the needs of the visitor, as well as the importance of the cooperation of cycling companies with hotels and tour operators to enhance cycling tourism, while finally he referred to the specificities of cycling excursions in the Cyclades.
• Mr. George Kazakos, founder of Higher Than Everest in Alexandroupoli, presented his experience in organizing cycling expeditions in demanding geographical environments. With the title of his speech “Modern thematic cycling tourism – the superiority of Slow Traveling”, Mr. Kazakos highlighted the importance of unique cycling experiences in boosting specialized tourism, highlighting the prospects for Greece.
• Ms. Vicky Skyrianidou, Head of Customer Service and Marketing at BikeIT – Thessaloniki, presented the topic “Cycling Tourism: How Hotels Can Enhance Visitors’ Experiences and Revenues”. In her speech, she highlighted specific strategies for creating experiences that meet the needs of cyclists, such as the development of specialized services, offering practical solutions for maximizing visitor satisfaction and hotel revenue.
• Mr. Panagiotis Giannoulis, representative of Ticket2Ride based in Mytilene, developed the topic “The Vision for Cycling Tourism in Mytilene”. Through his presentation, he highlighted both his vision for cycling and the need for the creation of targeted cycling infrastructure, while highlighting Lesvos as an important destination for cyclists from Greece and abroad. Mr. Giannoulis pointed out that the island is slowly establishing its reputation thanks to its cycling routes and thanks to its authenticity as a destination made for cycling and gentle tourism.

The Legacy of the 4th Bike Friendly Forum

The 4th Bike Friendly Forum has proven to be an institution for cycling tourism in Greece. With topics ranging from the development of cycling infrastructure and the promotion of bike-friendly destinations to the innovative services and good practices of members of the Network in serving cycling enthusiasts, the forum highlighted the new opportunities for connecting tourism with soft mobility and sustainability.

The event left a significant legacy for the further development of sustainable tourism, strengthening the cooperation between tourism and cycling businesses, local bodies and other organizations that promote cycling. As Ms. Vicky Karantzavelou emphasized, NATTOUR will continue to act as a catalyst for the adoption of good practices and the promotion of a unique experience for visitors, oriented towards sustainability and environmental sensitivity.

The forum, finally, was not only a celebration of cycling tourism, a celebration of collaboration and networking, but also a call for participation and action, so that Greece can establish itself as an international destination for travelers who choose environmentally friendly methods of transportation and recreation.

NATTOUR AMKE organizes the 4th Bike Friendly Forum on November 15, 2024

Program for the 4th Bike Friendly Forum (Philoxenia 2024)