The development of content for cycling tourists of northwestern
Istria has been presented at a media conference in Umag, at ATP
Vegeta Croatia Open. Tourist communities of Umag, Novigrad,
Brtonigla and Buje as well as tourist companies
Istraturist Umag and Laguna Novigrad, are working
together on further development of northwestern Istria which
strives to solidify its position as an ideal vacation spot, by
improving the quality of its offer.
"I accordance with the cluster marketing plan, bicycling tourism
has been defined as one of the tourist products that the cluster
has chosen, and has been working on since 2011", said director of
TZ Buje, Valter Bassanese.
Director of business development in Istraturist Davor
Brenko stated that Istraturist, due to existing
possibilities and great potential of the destination, dedicates
special attention to developing the bicycling offer. Through joint
activities with cluster partners and investments made into Sol
Garden Istra hotel, Istraturist has invested one million kuna into
the development of the cycling offer during 2011 and 2012 as well
as in preparation for 2013, and the actions set in motion thus far
have resulted in a 70% growth of overnight stays by cyclists during
the 2012 preseason. "We're convinced that Sol Garden Istra hotel
has the potential to position itself as an ideal hotel for
cyclists, therefore our investments and activities directed
towards persuading cyclists to choose our destination for a
vacation on two wheels during the preseason", said Brenko.
"The capacity of Laguna Novigrad have been improved and
adapted to satisfy all wishes and needs of our guests who prefer
athletic activities, especially cycling. We are proud to say that
our hotel Maestral satisfied the high standards and attained the
designation of a bike hotel. The hotel itself, along with 6 km of
paths already built and 8 km more planned for construction,
financed by the City of Novigrad through the project Adria Move It,
connects the city with the rest of cluster's paths and makes it a
very desirable cycling destination", concluded the marketing and
sales director of Laguna Novigrad Alen Greblo.
"Cycling is the most massive outdoor sport in Europe,
which numbers roughly 60 million amateur European fans, which
presents a very important potential customer base", said
Bernard Musulin, leader of the cluster's cycling
tourism project.
Last year cycling tourists in Europe netted 25 million overnight
stays, and the top destinations were Germany, Italy, Spain, France,
Austria and Ireland. Istria is well known on cyclers' maps so a lot
has been invested into the development of bicycling paths and the
remaining infrastructure, however in order for this type of tourism
to grow, constant content investments are necessary, as well as
cooperation of destination tourism partners.
"Key elements for the development of cycling tourism are
attractive cycling paths, housing capacities with services geared
towards cycling tourists, bike friendly hotels, cycling services
and cycling manifestations. Northwester Istria currently has 19
paths with over 550 kilometers of drawn cycling paths, 6 bike
hotels with the necessary "bike" infrastructure, and over 15 biking
manifestations ranging from recreational bike rides to several
professional races", said Bernard Musulin, about the actions taken
so far.
The professional Italian cyclist in MTB category Massimo
De Bertolis (2004 world champion in the marathon category)
spoke in detail about the aptitude of bicycling paths of
northwestern Istria stating: "Along with the natural benefits of
this area, the content and infrastructure of the paths, as well
housing capacities are ideal for both professional and amateur
riders longing for rides and enjoyment in nature.
Among the announced bike races,Istria Granfondo stands out as
an international cycling marathon for professionals and amateurs,
and it will be held between 6. and 7. of October
2012, mostly on the rout taken by the 14th stage of the
famous race Giro d'Italia.
With the existing rich culture, eno-gastronomic and athletic
offer, Istrian tourism is already much more than the sun and sea.
Inside the cluster Umag, Novigrad, Brtonigla, and Buje they are
convinced that a more fulfilling cycling tourism offer will
lengthen the season and thus make Istria an even more popular spot
on the cycling map of Europe.
