Memorandum of cooperation between HATTA and NatTour for the promotion of cycling tourism in Greece

he Hellenic Association of Travel and Tourist Agencies (HATTA) signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NatTour AMKE today, Thursday, November 10, 2022, in Athens, with the aim of developing a network of travel agencies in Greece and abroad as Greek Bike Specialists and strengthening sustainable tourism in our country.

The signing of the MoU aims to promote, develop, and highlight both cycling tourism and the use of bicycles as a gentle means of transportation for both Greek and international tourists. This comes at a time when a healthy lifestyle and the carbon footprint of transportation are major concerns for both travelers and the tourism industry.

Moreover, cycling aligns with the new post-COVID tourism conditions, which focus on protecting travelers’ health and avoiding crowding, as visitors can use bicycles while maintaining distance from others.

As part of the MoU, HATTA will promote cycling activities within organized tourism and showcase the “Bike Friendly” and “Greek Bike Specialist” labels through informational and educational actions, workshops, and other promotional initiatives, aiming to spread the benefits of an alternative activity that can positively contribute to Greek tourism.

Speaking during the MoU signing event, HATTA President Nikolas Kelaiditis stated: “We are once again focusing on sustainable development and enhancing travelers’ ecological awareness, which are prerequisites for the future of Greek tourism.

Cycling is a valuable ally for the travel industry in developing a more sustainable tourism model, offering an alternative means of transport for short trips at destinations, providing well-being to travelers, having zero impact on the environment, and adding vitality to the travel experience in our country.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend toward sustainable tourism practices and eco-friendly transportation, with travelers themselves wanting to reduce the impact of their journeys on the destinations they visit.

At the same time, HATTA, which brings together Greece’s travel agencies and represents the market for organized vacations across the country, considers the contribution of cycling to be particularly important in enhancing alternative forms of tourism, which play a leading role in the recovery of Greek tourism to the levels it deserves during a time of consecutive crises.

We are aligned with the global tourism industry’s directives for reducing transportation’s impact on the environment, and we are expanding the horizons and options for tourism businesses and travelers to offer more vibrant, eco-friendly, and active vacation experiences.”

NatTour General Director Vicky Karantzavelou stated: “The goal of NatTour is to raise awareness among tourism professionals about the protection of nature, hence the name Nature and Tourism, and especially the use of bicycles as a gentle means of transport for tourists, with the ultimate goal of providing a truly experiential stay in our country. In the 6 years that we have been active, providing the Bike Friendly certification, we have certified 130 hotels, 10 municipalities, and over 40 cycling partners.

Now, we believe it is time for the next step: informing travel agencies in our country about the use of bicycles in Greek destinations and awarding the Greek Bike Specialists label to those who are involved or decide to engage in cycling tourism. Through this collaboration with HATTA, we believe that NatTour’s mission will be completed, raising awareness among all those involved in the travel chain.”

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