NatTour Joins Forces with HATTA to Promote Bike Tourism in Greece

The Hellenic Association of Travel and Tourist Agencies (HATTA) and nonprofit NatTour announced this week that they would be working together for the promotion of cycling tourism in Greece.

The two parties signed a three-year memorandum of cooperation which foresees among others the creation of a tour agency network specializing in bike tourism and the promotion of cycling tourism particularly at a time of increasing environmental awareness in view of climate change.

Under the agreement, HATTA will promote bicycle activities and highlight NatTour’s “Bike Friendly” and “Greek Bike Specialist” certification during events and workshops it organizes or participates in.

“The bicycle is our ‘ally’ for a more sustainable tourism model and a means of well-being and enriching experiences for travelers,” said HATTA President Nikolaos Kelaiditis.

“We are focusing on sustainable development and strengthening the ecological awareness of travelers as prerequisites for the tourism of the future,” he said, adding that as an alternative form of tourism it can also play a leading role in the sector’s recovery.

“NatTour aims to increase tourism professionals’ awareness of the need to protect nature and to use the bicycle as a means of mild transport which will ultimately provide a real experiential stay in Greece,” said Vicky Karantzavelou, general director NatTour.

Over the last six years since its establishment, NatTour has certified 130 hotels, 10 municipalities and over 40 bicycle partners with its “Bike Friendly” seal.

“It is now time for the next step: informing our country’s tourist agents and agencies about the use of bicycles at Greek destinations and awarding those who get involved with the Greek Bike Specialists seal,” said  Karantzavelou, adding that through its partnership with HATTA, NatTour will succeed in raising awareness across the country’s travel and tourism chain.