The 5th Bike Friendly Forum returns on 15 November 2025 in Thessaloniki, further strengthening its role as an established institution for cycling tourism in Greece. This year’s edition focuses on sustainable mobility, sports tourism, best practices from members of the Bike Friendly Network, and the partnerships that support thematic and sustainable tourism development.
5th Bike Friendly Forum: Cycling as a vehicle for sustainable tourism and synergies
The 5th Bike Friendly Forum returns on 15 November 2025 in Thessaloniki, further strengthening its role as an established institution for cycling tourism in Greece. This year’s edition focuses on sustainable mobility, sports tourism, best practices from members of the Bike Friendly Network, and the partnerships that support thematic and sustainable tourism development.
The Forum will take place on Saturday, 15 November, at the “Nikolaos Germanos” Conference Centre at TIF-Helexpo (Hall B) with a start time of 11:00 a.m. . It is addressed to tourism organizations and professionals, hotel and accommodation executives, managers of tourist attractions and visitor sites, cycling companies and travel agencies active in alternative and thematic tourism, as well as to individuals who use bicycles in their daily lives or during leisure travel. Its aim is to highlight the role of cycling culture in tourism through sustainable practices, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing.
The event will open with welcome remarks from the President of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO), Ms. Angela Varela, and a representative of the Thessaloniki Hotels Association. Ms. Vicky Karanatzavelou, Managing Director of NatTour, will deliver the introductory presentation on soft mobility, cycling tourism, and the Bike Friendly certification.
The Forum programme includes three thematic sessions:
Session 1 – Bike Friendly Destinations & Cycling Cities in Greece:
Local authorities will present strategies, best practices, and experience gained from implementing initiatives that enhance cycling tourism, micromobility, and local development. Speakers include:
- Mr. Thodoris Tzoumas, Mayor of Skiathos
- Mr. Georgios Christakis, Deputy Mayor of Tourism, Municipality of Chios
- Mr. Petros Kyriakidis, Deputy Mayor of Tourism, Municipality of Alexandroupolis
- Mr. Iordanis Papadopoulos, Pieria Local Development & Promotion Organization (P.O.T.A.P.)
- Ms. Maria Pappa, Tourism Marketing Advisor, Municipality of Aristotle
- Ms. Martha Papadomichelaki, Cycling Tourism Development Manager – Tourism Department, Municipality of Rethymno
Session 2 – Hotels & Visitor Experiences:
Hotel groups, boutique hotels, resorts, and wineries will share applied practices integrating cycling into the guest experience, contributing to sustainability, authenticity, and local cultural engagement. Speakers include:
• Ms. Apollonia Karampatsou, Mitsis Group
• Mr. Karl Chehab, Costa Ofrynio Hospitality
• Ms. Chrysa Argyrakaki, Sali Boutique Hotel
• Ms. Andriana Goudi, Akrolithi Boutique Hotel & Suites
• Ms. Efrosyni Drosou, Isyhoi Ampelones Winery
Session 3 – Cycling Companies & Travel Agencies:
Sector specialists will present services, operating models and thematic tourism programmes that leverage cycling for mobility, sports, exploration and meaningful visitor engagement with destinations. Speakers include:
• Mr. Georgios Kazakos, Higher Than Everest
• Mr. Stefanos Kounis, Evia Adventure Tours
• Mr. Vasileios Bekas, Greenmove
The Forum will be moderated by journalists Ms. Vicky Karanatzavelou and Mr. Theodoros Koumelis, fostering an interactive environment for discussion, knowledge exchange and networking among tourism professionals, local authorities and the cycling community.
Providing services to travellers who choose to explore destinations by bicycle, and certifying these services through the “Bike Friendly” label, supports Greece’s tourism strategy for the development of sustainable tourism through soft mobility. This approach is fully aligned with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) strategies adopted by tourism businesses, strengthening responsible business operations and sustainable tourism models.
The 5th Bike Friendly Forum offers a valuable opportunity to share knowledge, showcase best practices and inspire joint action towards a greener, more inclusive and cycling-friendly future for Greek tourism.
