Vicky Karantzavelou (Bike Friendly): The shift of hotels towards sustainability… Happens on two wheels

This year alone, 20 large hotels from well-known groups and chains have joined the Bike Friendly network.

The general director of NatTour, Vicky Karantzavelou, explains why she took the initiative to create the “Bike Friendly” label and helps us understand the growing love hotels have for cycling.

How many hotels currently hold the Bike Friendly Hotel label, and why is there a shift towards cycling?

– Currently, 130 hotels are part of the Bike Friendly network. This year, 20 new hotels have joined, including hotels from large chains such as Mitsis Hotels, Grecotel, and Aldemar. Since 2016, when we started developing the “Bike Friendly” label in collaboration with the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN), we’ve observed a growing interest from hotels in offering bicycles to their guests.

This shift is due to an increasing focus on sustainability and eco-friendly transportation options for visitors. Both hoteliers and their customers now place great importance on carbon-free mobility, as well as the fun and exercise that cycling provides. Today, when hotels are required to report their environmental actions in Sustainability Reports, adopting practices that promote cycling is significant. It directly contributes to reducing emissions and conserving energy, which is crucial in a time when energy saving is a necessity for all.

What are the criteria for a hotel to be awarded the Bike Friendly Hotel label?

The certification criteria for a hotel to join the Bike Friendly Hotels network include 6 mandatory and 10 optional requirements. The hotel must either provide bicycles on-site or partner with a cycling company or bike rental shop to supply bicycles upon guest request. It should also offer bike service options, recommended cycling routes, secure bike storage, repair tools, laundry services, parking racks, and other services catering to cyclists and bike tourism.

What is the process for a hotel to obtain the Bike Friendly Hotel label?

The process starts when a hotel contacts us, and we guide them in meeting the criteria. The procedure is straightforward, involving a certification application and supporting documents sent via email. Upon completion and approval, the label is awarded in digital and physical form, and the hotel benefits from bike-friendly promotions. Random on-site inspections are also part of the process.

What feedback have you received from hoteliers who have adopted the Bike Friendly label, and how can they utilize it?

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. A recent statistic from our company shows that 93% of network members renew their label and subscription. The benefits for network members include enriching their tourism offerings with cycling activities and repositioning their business in both the Greek and international markets, tapping into new segments, especially alternative and thematic tourism. Promoting the hotel’s “innovation,” boosting its environmental policy, creating incentives for visitors, and extending the season are just a few of the advantages.

Moreover, hotels can expand collaborations with specialists in thematic tourism (cycling companies, travel agencies, etc.), participate in NatTour’s networking events, and access new promotional opportunities.

What infrastructure must a hotel have to be Bike Friendly?

The required steps focus mainly on the certification’s cycling criteria. Hotels or their partners need to provide bicycles, tools, maps, charging points for e-bikes, parking spaces, and more. Rental bikes don’t have to be on-site, but the partner must be able to deliver them to the hotel. The remaining tools and materials are easy to acquire at a low cost.

How is the label recognized by the Greek government?

We are pleased that over the last two years, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Environment have recognized us by granting their endorsement to our initiatives. Additionally, more municipalities, regions, and professional associations are reaching out to collaborate on promoting cycling and tourism.

Why should a visitor or citizen choose a hotel from the Bike Friendly network?

For many reasons… Cycling makes transportation easier in modern cities, and bike lanes are becoming a key part of urban mobility, reducing distances and travel times.

Cycling helps reduce carbon footprints and is a gentle, eco-friendly mode of transportation. Bike Friendly network members provide the necessary cycling support and services (bikes, maps, equipment, storage, repairs, etc.) for anyone wishing to explore their destination by bike.

Cycling offers physical exercise and well-being. It is a COVID-free means of transport, helping to avoid crowds. It allows guests to explore their destination while staying at Bike Friendly hotels and discover attractions and natural beauty.

Cycling activates all the senses, providing a holistic experience. With e-bikes, even beginners can enjoy it. And lastly, cycling adds a unique style you may never have tried before!

Source: Mononews