Before the start of the marathon, there were more than 630 applicants from 12 countries. As reported by HRTurizam, here is how to successfully organize a bicycle race.
Lesson No.1: Without quality content, both the main and secondary, there is no success.
Most registered cyclists were from Slovenia for the first year of the event where the applications from a single country exceeded the number of domestic competitors. Besides the Croatian and Slovenian cyclists who make up more than 50% of the participants, a significant increase in the number of participants in the marathon are now from Italy and Austria, and cyclists come from European countries such as France, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Great Britain, Germany and Switzerland - some even arrived from the United States.
Lesson No. 2: Granfondo went step-by-step for quality with the professional organization growing from year to year, as is the number of domestic and foreign cyclists.
By moving the race, according to the previous years, Sunday to Saturday increased the number of nights and weekend stays of cyclists and their entourage in northwestern Istria, which is the motive for the destination of this year's marathon. For the duration of the race, the youngest visitors (which this year had more than 100), had organized their competition entertainment, dance and other entertainment while adults enjoyed the offer a number of exhibitors and bike fashion magazines.
Lesson No. 3: Listen to founded criticism, proposals and reactions of competitors, because it is the most valuable free research. The race is organized for them, not you as organizers.
This large international autumn cycling marathon is also turned into a sports weekend event, and started on Friday with the City Cycle Tour that began with the professional cycling executives from the tourist village Stella Maris Umag along the coast to the center of Umag. Here, participants could taste authentic Istrian gourmet delicacies and famous wines from winemaker destinations in the newly opened wine bar ItIstria. Upon their return, there was a social zone for visitors with a Cheese & Wine Party.
Lesson No. 4. Respect yourself, and everyone. Always think outside the box and offer domestic and indigenous products - it is the very essence of tourism and what tourists want. Be creative and arrange for additional content to round out the story, utilizing all of the tourism products and experiences.
A great interest in the Istria Granfondo was showed this year, with many domestic and foreign media present. Everyone in northwestern Istria experienced the spirit and atmosphere of racing and events, but also got to know what the destination offers outside peak season which will promote it for next year.
Lesson No. 5. Organization of events, races, and all other tourist attractions is not cost, but investment - and a long term investment. This will prolong the season and create additional motive for those to come, generating an increase of tourists in the off season.
This is only a small part of the evidence and advice of concrete examples of how long-term and professional planning and development can extend the tourist season, and achieve excellent results. Nothing can be achieved in the short term, for all time is needed, especially to attract foreign visitors. As well as various other success stories, the Istria Granfondo began in the first year with a modest but clear vision. The race grew every year, step by step, and now after five years this year's success is beginning to rise swiftly.
