With sunshine and lovely scenery – offer tourists both bicycles and cycling paths – this may be the interpretation of the five million kuna tender the Tourism Minister Gari Cappelli is using to promote the development of cyclotourism in 14 continental counties. In the flat Slavonia they welcome an infrastructure investment project, but have their own suggestions as well, Rtl.hr reported on April 5, 2017.
Riding on two wheels is a favourite with many, Mario form Osijek loves bicycle rides and knows all about bicycles.
“What is the recommended pressure inflation for tyres,” we asked him.
“Well, it depends. There have to be at 3, 4,” he answered.
He welcomes the idea of the Tourism Ministry for investments into creating, arranging and marking cycling routes. But he has his own ideas too.
“What is most important is to create an event, well planned, a rounded tourism story. Besides the bicycle ride, to present to visitor the local gastronomy offer, a story of the local and cultural heritage,” said cycling blogger Mario Jukić.
All of this would attract cyclotourists from all over Europe, coveted by Bike&bed accommodation owners.
These are mostly people between 45 and 55 years of age, mostly highly educated, with higher income often in pairs or small groups.
Although Croatia is located on the second most trafficked cyclotour in Europe, cyclists from the north – Norway and Denmark – are currently bypassing us.
“After Budapest their numbers fall of greatly. 70% of them end up in Budapest and never continue further south. Of those that do continue south, 80% decides to turn to Serbia in Mohač, never visiting Croatia,” explained Jasmina Krkić Poznić, owner of a family accommodation unit.
Along with more investment in promotion, cyclists warn of their biggest issue: if cyclists were to be less penalised, this branding of Slavonia and Baranja as a cycling mecca would be complete.
As cyclotourists are loved everywhere – their motives are relaxation, healthy lifestyle and time in nature, and Croatia is perfect for that.
