Fourth networking event for the “Bike Friendly” label

As part of the efforts to promote cycling tourism and foster collaboration among network members, the “Bike Friendly” label invited its members and partners to a relationship-building and idea-exchange event. The event took place online on Tuesday, February 14, 2023.

The event featured guest speaker Michael Maier, Bicycle Tourism Officer at the German Cyclists’ Association (ADFC), who presented the profile of the German cyclist-tourist.

Participants and members of the “Bike Friendly” network had the opportunity to get to know each other, exchange views and experiences, discuss the challenges they face in serving cyclist visitors, and explore potential collaborations.

Representatives of cycling companies and travel agencies presented their programs for serving cyclists in their respective areas, including cycling routes and, in some cases, innovative initiatives for collaborating with the hotel industry and organizing cycling events. They also highlighted the challenges they encounter in serving cyclist tourists (e.g., limited availability of rooms for 1-2 night stays in “rolling” destinations, luggage transport, etc.), seeking solutions for better coordination among tourism businesses to improve service for cycling tourists.

Hotel representatives shared their experience in catering to cycling visitors, their knowledge of cyclists’ needs, and their efforts to provide safer and higher-quality cycling services, often in collaboration with cycling companies and travel agencies.

The “Bike Friendly” label presented its new initiatives and partnerships aimed at promoting bicycle use across Greece, enhancing cycling tourism, and increasing the visibility of network members.

During the event and open dialogue among network members, prospects for joint actions and initiatives were explored.