-
Home
-
European Projects
-
Development and improvement of cycling route netwo.. (CentralBalticCycling)
Development and improvement of cycling route network in Central Baltic area
(CentralBalticCycling)
Start date: Dec 31, 2011,
End date: Jun 29, 2013
PROJECT
FINISHED
Background:Central Baltic region covers regions around the Baltic Sea that have been linked by economic ties already for centuries.Initially it was mainly trade,but with the growing development of transport links,the region has evolved as a location for inhabitants of the whole CB region,where they can work,live and travel.While urban areas are mostly known as a suitable working and living environment,more distant towns and rural areas struggle to improve the living environment for locals and develop it interesting also for foreign and domestic tourists.The project partners and their respective regions have been chosen to represent a wide variety-partners from urban,rural and peripheral areas,thus combining the best skills and know-how to reach the set aim.Objective: to promote competitiveness of the Central Baltic region in the European tourism market by expanding offer of tourism products in the project areas.Target groups are predominantly local inhabitants/business and the tourism industry represented through non-governmental,governmental, regional and local authorities,aswell as foreign tourists.The local inhabitants/businesses will be ensured better living and working conditions through improved business opportunities (which are facilitated through the help of the various authorities).Tasks:1)to establish joint cycling route network linking all project areas2)to promote long-term cooperation and planning between public and private sectors regarding development of tourism and cycling tourism;3)to improve cycling tourism infrastructure;4)to promote project areas as a joint tourism destination.By introducing the tasks over a set of activities divided in 4 Work Packages the overall objective will be achieved.WPs:1-Project management&coordination;2-Route network planning&coperation;3-Tourism products&infrastructure development;4-Marketing&promotion.The activities are divided in 3 main blocks:planning,product development and promotion thereof.Through WP2 the network between local businesses and respective bodies will be strengthened,improving also their skills and know-how.WP3 is needed to create better living and working conditions for locals,and improved leisure environment for tourists.WP4 is aimed at direct communication with foreign tourists and tourist offices to promote CB as a cycling destination. Results:3 PSG& 5 PCG meetings,5 thematic workshops,23 training workshops,2 cycling conference,cycling maps and brochures,participation in 6 tourism fairs, route signs, information stands, bicycle parking stands, technical design of cycling paths (km). Achievements: The project developed and promoted a network of cycling routes in Latvia, Finland and Sweden. In addition, the long-term cooperation between the public and private sectors regarding cycling tourism was enhanced, and partly be investing in cycling infrastructure in the regions partcipating in CentralBalticCycling. The project started out by assessing the development potential of cycling tourism in the Central Baltic region. In addition, the project established and strengthened a network of tourism professionals related to bicycle tourism. During the project bicycle tourism infrastructure was improved especially in Latvia and Sweden, and the region was promoted as a joint tourism destination. Furthermore, workshops for tourism entrepreneurs were organised together with tourism associations and tourist information centres.