PODIX – NATTOUR: Memorandum of cooperation signed for the promotion of cycling tourism

A memorandum of cooperation was signed between Giorgos Pelekanakis, president of the Hellenic Association of Hotel Managers (PODIX), and Vicky Karantzavelou, director of NATTOUR, to promote cycling tourism through the “Bike Friendly” label, during the 2nd Pan-Cretan Forum for the Promotion of Cretan Products, which took place at the OAKA on February 17-18. The Forum focused on connecting Cretan cuisine with wellness, sports, and cycling tourism.

“Bike Friendly Hotels, cycling tourism, bicycles, wellness, culture, proper nutrition—all of these together create an alternative form of tourism that is not only aimed at athletes but also at nature and good food lovers,” said Mr. Pelekanakis, adding:

“Bicycles should not only be associated with racing. Cycling is suitable for the entire family to enjoy, both young and old, during the journey.

For this to happen, organization and infrastructure are required. We need proper routes and hotels that provide all the facilities that cyclists need to meet their demands.

Hotels should be organized according to the Bike Friendly specifications. The infrastructure of hotels is a key element in cycling tourism, as it allows people interested in this type of tourism to travel and enjoy their ideal vacations. This is especially true for hotels that offer bike rental services, so travelers don’t have to bring their own bikes on airplanes.

The Bike Friendly label is the certification that will help hotels promote themselves properly and become known to interested travelers, allowing them to book their stay.”

Vicky Karantzavelou, for her part, emphasized, “The role of hotel managers in hotel strategy is crucial, and most recognize the need to focus on experiential tourism and complete customer satisfaction. The Bike Friendly label helps establishments organize themselves properly and develop marketing strategies targeting guests who want to use a bicycle to explore the surrounding area.”

About the “Bike Friendly” Label

Cycling has become a rising activity in recent years, capable of shaping a new strategy in both tourism and citizen mobility. At the core of this strategy is the bicycle as a means of transport and the “mild activities” of tourists and citizens.

The “Bike Friendly” label is an initiative by the non-profit organization NATTOUR, aimed at promoting sustainability in tourism and mobility for tourists and citizens, as well as developing alternative forms of tourism, prioritizing bicycle use and cycling tourism. Since 2016, NATTOUR has helped shape and promote a bike-friendly network of destinations and businesses in Greece.

The certified members of the network (130 hotels, 8 municipalities-destinations, 30 cycling companies-travel agencies) actively contribute to serving visitors and citizens who wish to use bicycles during their vacations and for their daily transportation. It is worth noting that the development of the “Bike Friendly” label is in collaboration with the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (E.E.P.F.).