Five years have passed since the first announcement of the "Bike Friendly" certification program and the corresponding label, which is awarded to hotels, cycling companies, municipalities-destinations, and travel agencies.
Five-year “Bike Friendly” certification program
Five years have passed since the first announcement of the "Bike Friendly" certification program and the corresponding label, which is awarded to hotels, cycling companies, municipalities-destinations, and travel agencies.
The Director of NatTour presented the new “Bike Friendly Hotel” label at the time and highlighted the importance of cycling tourism.
It is worth noting that from 2016 until today, the development of the “Bike Friendly” label has been carried out in collaboration with the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN). Over time, this partnership has contributed to promoting sustainability in tourism and environmental protection.
NatTour, as the manager of the “Bike Friendly” certification program, has played a leading role over the past five years in developing and promoting a network of cyclist-friendly hotels, partners, and destinations. It has also promoted the use of bicycles as an environmentally friendly means of transport, supported the development of alternative and thematic forms of tourism such as cycling tourism, and attracted tourists.
Simultaneously, the organization has worked to promote and support the certified members of its network. As of September 2021, five years later, the network includes 122 hotels, six municipalities-destinations, 25 cycling companies-tour operators, and demand for the “Bike Friendly” label continues to grow, with many new members in the process of joining.
It is also noteworthy that in the last two years, the “Bike Friendly” label has come under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism (March 12, 2020) and the Ministry of Environment (April 19, 2021). These two consecutive recognitions of NatTour’s efforts demonstrate its role in promoting sustainable tourism and sustainable mobility.
At a time when climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic are driving a shift towards sustainability and “gentle tourism,” as well as mobility methods that promote decongestion and a closer connection between citizens and visitors with the natural environment, the “Bike Friendly” program continues its dynamic efforts to promote cycling!
Five years of “Bike Friendly,” and we keep going!
Get to know the Bike Friendly network, learn about the criteria for joining, and stay updated with Bike Friendly news at the hub: https://www.bikehotels.travel/.
