Greece Aiming to Develop Cycling Tourism and Railbiking

Photo source: railbiking.gr

Developing cycling tourism topped the agenda of talks between Deputy Tourism Minister Elena Rapti and Deputy Transport Minister Christina Alexopoulou in Athens this week.

Among others, the two officials discussed the activation of the National Coordination Center for Cycling and the establishment of a working group the will oversee the implementation of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the two ministries in collaboration with EuroVelo and the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE).

Additionally the two ministers discussed ways to increase awareness about the use of e-bikes and to channel EU resources into relevant projects.

Photo source: Vigla Hotel

Among others, Rapti and Alexopoulou discussed ways to promote a new trend in Greece, railbiking or cycling tours on pedal-powered railroad carts. The aim, said the ministers, is to put to good use old rail networks and to create interest in cycling tourism.

Rapti and Alexopoulou agreed to finalize details of cooperation in the coming period in order to move ahead with the implementation of the projects.

Deputy Tourism Minister Elena Rapti and Deputy Transport Minister Christina Alexopoulou. Photo source: Greek Tourism Ministry

In 2021, Greece announced that it would be taking steps to promote bike tourism through the establishment of a National EuroVelo Coordination Center.

In the same year, Greece was among nine countries participating in “Adrioncycletour”, an ambitious project under the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR) for the creation of a cross-European bike route running along the Adriatic and Ionian Sea aiming to facilitate movement of travelers and citizens.