ICTr-CE project partners attended and participated at the international EuroVelo & Cycling Tourism Conference 2025, which took place on September 24–26, 2025, in Balatonfüred, Hungary. The conference, organised by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), brought together experts, visionaries and representatives of local communities from 31 countries, with the aim of creating sustainable and inclusive cycling initiatives across Europe. Project partners contributed to the discussions on the future of cycling tourism as panellists and content co-creators.
In his address at the EuroVelo Conference in Balatonfüred, Henk Swarttouw, President of the European Cyclists’ Federation, underscored the guiding principle of the cycling movement with the concise but powerful message:
“More and better cycling for all.”
By stressing both “more” and “better,” Swarttouw pointed to the dual challenge: increasing the number of people who cycle, while simultaneously ensuring that the cycling experience is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.
“Inclusive tourism, important for building business opportunities for local providers”
Urška Dolinar, co-founder and director of the Iskriva Institute, presented the process of establishing the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail through EU-funded projects (AoE Bike Trail, Amazing AoE, SMARTER AOE). This cross-border cycling route connects five countries along the Mura, Drava, and Danube rivers. As a guest speaker at the panel discussion Making the Most of Funding for Cycling Development Projects, she emphasised the importance of inclusive tourism, which creates business opportunities for local providers—from farmers and craftsmen to accommodation hosts. She highlighted how thoughtful financing and close cooperation with local communities can stimulate economic development while safeguarding natural and cultural heritage. ICTr-CE capitalises on the results of AoE projects and develops its bookable products to be more sustainable both ecologically and socially.
In the same panel, Tibor Polgár, strategic director of Westpannon, built upon these themes with a complementary perspective, focusing more strongly on the role of regional coordination of EU-funded projects for developing cycling infrastructure and tourism. He underlined that development needs to take place on all levels—from local to international—but stressed that the regional level holds particular importance, as it has the greatest potential for impact when actors work in horizontal cooperation across sectors and borders. His presentation demonstrated how strategic and coordinated use of European funding (projects such as ICTr-CE, IBC Danube, SMART Pannonia, CycleRight) can accelerate cross-border collaboration, strengthen local economies, and ensure that cycling initiatives are embedded in broader regional development strategies. Together, Dolinar and Polgár illustrated how inclusive approaches and effective use of funding can turn cycling projects into long-term drivers of sustainability and prosperity.
“Getting locals, service providers and SMEs on board”
In the panel Getting Locals, Service Providers and SMEs on Board, Miha Lesjak, professor at the University of Primorska, Faculty of Tourism Studies – Turistica, emphasised that a truly good cycling experience relies not only on quality infrastructure but also on services and hospitality. He pointed out that best practices can inspire more stakeholders to engage, helping to expand networks of cycling-friendly solutions at every level, from macro to micro, and ultimately generating greater benefits for both tourists and local communities.
“Only with clear data showing measurable results can we show the positive impact”
Michael Meyer Highlights the Importance of Evidence-Based Tools for Sustainable Cycling Tourism
Michael Meyer, Co-Chair of the Board at Ö.T.E.–LT&C, participated in the panel “Measuring the Impact of Cycle Routes and Cycling Tourism”, where he presented applied instruments further developed within the ICTr-CE project — the Carbon Footprint Calculator (CARMACAL) and the Impact Measurement System. These tools gather data from service providers on the environmental, social, and economic impacts of cycling tourism, enabling more sustainable tour design and better monitoring of outcomes.
Mr. Meyer emphasised the importance of robust policies, clear recommendations, and practical measurement tools in advancing sustainable tourism. He noted that tourism initiatives are sometimes implemented without adequate consideration of their long-term environmental and social effects, underlining the need for tools that help safeguard natural resources and improve community well-being.
He further highlighted that reliable data and standardised indicators are key to assessing performance, identifying areas for improvement, and aligning tourism strategies with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Transparent, evidence-based approaches, he concluded, strengthen cooperation among stakeholders and ensure that cycling tourism contributes positively to both people and the planet.
The European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) presented awards in two categories:
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Best Cycling Tourism Initiative Award – for the best tourism initiative related to cycling,
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Best Cycle Route Development Award – for the best development of a cycle route.
Amazon of Europe Bike Trail receives the Best Cycling Tourism Initiative award 2025
The Amazon of Europe Bike Trail also became the first recipient of the Best Cycling Tourism Initiative 2025 award, presented by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) at the conference. The award recognises initiatives that combine sustainability, innovation and a positive impact on local communities and the environment. The Amazon of Europe Bike Trail initiative, which connects five countries along the Mura, Drava and Danube rivers (Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary and Serbia) and also crosses its way with the EuroVelo 13 – The Iron Curtain Trail, was selected for its unique vision – not just as a tourist route, but as a sustainable development project that connects nature, culture and people.
Urška Dolinar highlighted that the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail is not only about creating a cycling route but also about making business possible in a sustainable way—bringing new economic opportunities for local communities while offering authentic experiences for tourists. Tibor Polgár complemented this perspective by reflecting on the demanding process of establishing such a large cross-border initiative. He said that “the creation and development of the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail often felt like riding a unicycle—challenging and unstable at times—but we managed to keep our balance and move forward without falling,” underscoring the perseverance and cooperation required to turn the project into a success.
Western Pomerania receives the Best Cycle Route Development Award 2025
The award was received by Wanda Nowotarska, Cycling Representative of the Marshal of the West Pomeranian Province: “It is a great honour to receive such a prestigious award. Our network of bicycle routes is not only infrastructure—it is an opportunity to discover the region, promote sustainable tourism, and show that bicycles are really changing the lives of our residents,” she emphasised during the gala.
In her speech, Wanda Nowotarska also thanked her team from the Marshal’s Office’s bicycle communication department and the residents who have fallen in love with the new routes. She noted that thanks to consistent investments, many people have started using bicycles, cycling tourism and recreation have become accessible to a wider group, and the infrastructure has contributed to the revitalisation of many areas. She also thanked Marshal Geblewicz for his decision to implement the project and for entrusting the investment to be carried out in accordance with our vision and best European practices.
Purpose and content of the conference
The conference was intended to exchange ideas and good practices for the development of cycling tourism that supports sustainability, innovation and cooperation. Participants discussed how cycling routes such as EuroVelo and Amazon of Europe Bike Trail not only attract tourists, but also revitalise rural areas, reduce carbon footprint and strengthen local economies. The Amazon of Europe Bike Trail was highlighted as an example of a project that combines nature conservation goals with economic and social benefits, as it connects five countries and promotes the preservation of one of the last wild river landscapes in Europe.
We would like to finish this news by giving another statement from the ECF president, Henk Swarttouw:
“The cycling path does not care who is cycling on it.”
With this phrase, Swarttouw drew attention to cycling as an inherently democratic form of mobility, one that removes social barriers and encourages interaction among diverse groups of people. It serves as a reminder that investments in cycling infrastructure yield benefits across society, promoting cohesion, health, and sustainability in equal measure.