Programme
Read more about the programme of each day and the session topics by clicking on the plus symbol.
13:00 – 17:00 | EuroVelo General Meeting (only for National EuroVelo Coordination Centres) |
18:00 | Welcome Reception |
| İzmir Metropolitan Municipality invites everyone attending the EuroVelo & Cycling Tourism Conference 2023 to a cosy get-together at the Historical Gas Factory. Over refreshing drinks and local food, you will have the opportunity to chat with fellow cyclists, share ideas and make new contacts. The evening welcome reception is the ideal occasion to get to know and reacquaint yourself with speakers and other attendees in an informal setting. |
| 18.30 – 20.00 | Registration at the Swisshotel Grand Efes İzmir |
| 19.00 – 20.30 | Welcome Reception at izmir Historical Coal Gas Factory |
The second day of the Conference takes place at Swissotel Büyük Efes in Izmir for a full day of exciting sessions and debates. Inspired by the theme ‘Cycling: A new perspective on heritage’, it encourages participants to consider the role of cycling in shaping cultural and natural heritage and boosts debate on best practices and innovative approaches.
Delegates are invited to collect their name badge and enjoy a coffee in the exhibition hall before the Conference programme starts.
The official start of an inspiring full day of plenary and parallel sessions.
Speakers
- Henk Swarttouw – European Cyclists’ Federation
- Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye
What better way to launch a full day of lively exchanges and insightful presentations than a lively discussion on the Conference’s theme! Two inspiring keynote speakers will share their thoughts, ideas and experiences on cycling as the best way to make the most of a destination’s heritage. A dynamic and outside-of-the-box session sets the pace of an exciting and packed programme.
Session speakers
- Alex Crevar – Journalist
- Pinar Pinzuti – Bikenomist
There is clear momentum for cycling tourism. To ensure that its growth is continued, sustainable and backed by investments, cycling tourism must be brought to the political agenda at national and international levels with stronger commitment and determination than ever before. This panel will discuss the politics of cycling tourism with high-level representatives.
Session speakers
- Jill Warren – European Cyclists’ Federation
- Stefano Dominioni – European Institute of Cultural Routes
- Michael Cramer – Former MEP
- Valentina Superti – European Commission
- Alessandra Priante – UNWTO
- Ioannis Pappas – Global Sustainable Tourism Council
- Ministry of Tourism and Culture of the Republic of Türkiye
- Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of the Republic of Türkiye
Moderator: Dr. Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu – Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)
Cycling tourism products often take advantage of heritage by promoting it from a two wheels perspective. What can be learned from successful experiences? What ideas can be shared? This fast-paced, lively session brings several best practices and ideas to the table.
Session Speakers
- Rezarta Bare – GIZ Albania
- Sophie Gordon – Cycling UK
- Eric Nijland – Stichting Landelijk Fietsplatform
- Ewoud Lagring – Visit Flanders
- Ursa Dorn – Celje Tourism Board
- Ramazan Taş – İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality
- Dimitri Lett – Alsace Destination Tourisme
- Kadir Efe Oruç – İzmir Metropalitan Municipality
Moderator: Sezen Özeke – ENVERÇEVKO
How can cycling infrastructure give access to natural areas without adding pressure on biodiversity and ecosystems? Examples from several countries will help shape the debate on enhancing natural heritage for cycling tourism purposes and protecting nature and its ecosystems.
Session Speakers
- Ward Segers – Visit Limburg
- Florence Grégoire – European Cyclists’ Federation
- Feridun Ekmekçi – ENVERÇEVKO
- Tilman Sobek – absolutGPS
Moderator: Prof. Dr. Orhan İçöz – Yaşar University
In the quest to make cycling a part of everyone’s life, it is crucial to motivate new cyclists and young people to join the community. How marketing strategies and targeted activities can help? This panel offers insights across Europe, comparing and exchanging perspectives.
Session Speakers
- Charlotte Massagé – Pro Velo
- Christian Tänzler – ADFC
- Ginger Weerheim – Netherlands Board Of Tourism And Conventions
- Tamás Abelovszky – Vuelta Ltd.
- Ceylan Şensoy –Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)
Moderator: Omer Malak – European Cyclists’ Federation
Guidebooks, TV shows, games, apps… There are plenty of ways to link bicycle practice with the promotion of heritage, especially locally, and to invite users to explore a destination by bike. This interactive session explores examples from across Europe and is sure to inspire cycling tourism professionals to communicate cycling and heritage in innovative and curious ways.
Session Speakers
- Figen Atasever – Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
- Hans Stoops – IMBA Europe/Cykelfrämjandet
- Boris Bojidarov Begamov – Dunav Ultra
- Annarita Leserri – Pin Bike
- Bruno Dhaenens – City of Deinze
- Sean King – Oddboy Media
- Priscilla Parard – Consultant in Environment and Sustainable Mobility
- Bernhard Scholz – Outdooractive
Moderator: Jessica Casagrande – European Cyclists’ Federation
Cycling-friendly services: how to improve access to heritage sites?
Without proper services to meet the needs of cyclists, they will simply pass by heritage sites without stopping! High-quality services are crucial to make the perfect match between heritage and cycling tourism a reality. The session will discuss experiences and perspectives from different countries and backgrounds.
Session speakers
- Radek Durna – Moravian Wine Trails
- Alexandra Fournier – European Cyclists’ Federation
- Etienne Leborgne – Inddigo France
- Prof. Dr. Felix Pirson – German Archaeological Institute İstanbul
Moderator: Pinar Pinzuti – Bikenomist
A successful cycle route network connects the main attractions of a destination and other means of transport in a direct, attractive and safe way. How to plan a cycle route network? From densely populated cities to rural areas, several infrastructure parameters must be considered to fit the users’ needs, be them daily commuters, cycling tourists, or leisure cyclists. The session will present best practices and share common challenges.
Session Speakers
- Michele Mutterle – Fiab Italia
- Agathe Daudibon – European Cyclists’ Federation
- Alejandro Martín Barraza – ConBici
- Andrea Morelli – Eco-Counter
- Demet Burçin Gezgin – İzmir Metropolitan Municipality
Moderator: Jesper Pørksen – Dansk Cykelturisme
The final plenary session looks at the future of cycling tourism, mapping out the relevant trends in the sector and reflecting on the opportunities for sustained growth within the EuroVelo network and beyond. How to inspire new users, from all generations? How to answer their needs, attract their interest and convince them to cycle more often? Using data and successful examples, our speakers will discuss new forms of cycling tourism, but also solid and lasting trends, and the role of heritage in the future of our sector.
Session Speakers
- Loek Luijbregts – GravelBoost
- Karine Dupuy – France Vélo Tourisme
- Alparslan Güvenç – Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University
- Gergana Nikolova – Adventure Travel Trade Association
Moderator: Agathe Daudibon – European Cyclists’ Federation
Wrapping up the event with some final words by the hosts and the announcement of the next host city of the EuroVelo & Cycling Tourism Conference.
Speakers
- Jill Warren – European Cyclists’ Federation
- Jesper Pørksen – Dansk Cykelturisme, EuroVelo Council
- Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)
| 18.30 – 20.00 | Registration at the Swisshotel Grand Efes İzmir |
| 19.00 – 20.30 | Welcome Reception at izmir Historical Coal Gas Factory |
19:00 | All participants are invited to a dinner in the scenic Agora of Izmir. Between columns and archaeological ruins, discover one of the most impressive locations of ancient Smyrna for an unforgettable sunset and seated dinner. The historical centre of public and social life is the perfect setting to enjoy the renowned Turkish hospitality and cuisine, and continue networking and exchanging ideas on cycling tourism and beyond. |
| 18.30 – 20.00 | Registration at the Swisshotel Grand Efes İzmir |
| 19.00 – 20.30 | Welcome Reception at izmir Historical Coal Gas Factory |
9:00 – 13:00 | Technical visit to EuroVelo 8 in Izmir |
After a full day of sessions and debates, a technical visit will take place. Participants will explore Izmir’s cycling infrastructure in a dense urban area that is also a holiday destination. Lunch will be kindly offered to all technical visit participants. Visit the dedicated page for more information. | |
15:00 – 17:00 | Optional afternoon programme: Tour of Türkiye stage finish |
