In the European Union there are more than 20 million bike tourists who achieve an annual turnover of 44 billion euros, reports Dalmatinski Portal on 16 December 2016.
Hotel Park in Split held a presentation and training on the topic of 'Bike facilities, agencies and services - possibilities for the development of your offer for cyclists', organized by the Tourist Board of Split-Dalmatia County and the Cycling Federation of Split-Dalmatia County (SDŽ).
After a half-hour presentation, short working meetings were held where participants could establish contacts between stakeholders in the supply of cycle tourism in Split-Dalmatia County.
There is a huge desire of the Tourist Board and the Cycling Association of Split-Dalmatia County for home owners to engage their resources in the story of cycling tourism.
“Our National Tourist Board and the Cycling Federation have invested maximum efforts in promoting and building the infrastructure of cycling tourism and indeed it is a shame that the fruits of our labor are levied by the agency, not you,” said director of the Tourist Board Josko Stella to interested tour operators.
Denis Spadina, President of the Cycling Association of Split-Dalmatia County presented an interesting fact:
“In the European Union there are more than 20 million bike tourists who achieve an annual turnover of 44 billion euros. When we compare this with the amount of 40 billion in which we achieve in cruisers, then it is clear how big potential is in this type of tourism,” said Spadina, who added:
“In the EU, this is one of the most desirable types of tourism. The benefits are different - health, environmental, reduced energy and fuel savings, less crowded…”
Spadina then said that SDŽ started their story in 2014 from scratch.
“Today, we have about a million euro revenue and over 100 employees. We have built 3,500 kilometers of trails, 97 marked routes, 50 'bike and bed' facilities, and 45 licensed guides. We have a modern website and application where you can find all the necessary information,” said Spadina.
He added that Split-Dalmatia County in three years has managed to do what it took Istria 15 years to build, but it still lags behind in segment revenues.
“It is not a concern because only we follow the 'boom' in this segment. According to the plan, in 2017 we should be able to make that additional step,” added Spadina who then stressed:
“You need to hear an example of a Split rental agency who have earned in the past year more on bicycle rentals than on car rentals. Otherwise, in Split there are about 500 bicycles available for hire and I hope that in the next year that number will certainly grow, and I again repeat the potential is huge.”
Finally, Spadina pointed out that the plan for 2017 is to build an additional 1,500 kilometers of new trails, open 200 'bike and bed' facilities with certificates, which should, at a minimum, provide cycling tourists accommodation for one night, rooms for bikes, bike racks, information on nearby trails, shops and services, as well as basic tools for bicycle repair.
