Central Macedonia Bike Paths ‘on Show’ in Holland

Central Macedonia authorities presented the region’s cycling and mountain biking trails to the Dutch market during this year’s Fiets en Wandelbeurs travel fair held in Utrecht, Netherlands, last week.

Thessaloniki, northern Greece. Photo Source: @Thessaloniki Travel

Participating under the umbrella of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), the Central Macedonia Region presented the cycling options available at Mt Olympus, Pieria, Mt Paiko, Thessaloniki and Halkidiki.

This was the Central Macedonia Region’s first participation in the Fiets en Wandelbeurs fair, which is one of Europe’s leading active tourism exhibitions.

“We are creating and promoting through synergies special interest tourism products, such as cycling tourism to reach out to this very demanding segment of visitors mainly from Central and Northern European countries, who travel almost all year round and spend more than the average traveler, aiming to extend the tourist season in Central Macedonia,” said the region’s vice governor for tourism, Alexandros Thanos.

During the last years, the regional authority has channeled its efforts into the development and targeted promotion of cycling and hiking routes in Central Macedonia. Over the next two years, authorities are aiming to create a new tourism dynamic in the wider region through the marking, sign-posting, and maintenance of trails, and with the support of private development schemes the certification of cycling-friendly hotels and the availability of cycling and trekking tourism products.

Psilos Vrachos, Edessa, Central Macedonia. Photo Source: Municipality of Edessa.

Citing Bank of Greece 2018 data, Thanos went on to note that the Central Macedonia Region marked a 20.3 percent increase in revenue in the first nine months of 2018.

“We anticipate that by opening up to new markets and promoting together with professionals new thematic products available in Central Macedonia, we will be able to contribute to even greater benefits for the local community,” added Thanos.

In the meantime, in relevant news, in collaboration with the GNTO branch in Holland, the Macedonia regional authorities are currently hosting Dutch bloggers covering the carnival (Apokries) events in Pieria, Naoussa, and Edessa.