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19 September 2024
IBTC presents
Next generation routes & concepts
How do you take cycling and hiking routes to ‘the next level’ and create more experience? And what role can storytelling and micro-adventures play in this? The answer to these and many more questions will be discussed on 13 February 2025 during the International Bike & hike Tourism Conference (IBTC) in Utrecht.
The conference precedes the Fiets en Wandelbeurs, the biggest fair in Europe for cyclists and hikers, which will take place on 14, 15 and 16 February in Jaarbeurs Utrecht. In the Netherlands, the cycling junction network has existed for 25 years, and the hiking network for 20 years. Just like in Belgium, which also maintains an extensive cycling and hiking network, they are a textbook example for countries that are showing a growing interest in routes and route networks. This is how the theme for this conference came about: ‘How can you use route networks and routes to promote a region and thus offer visitors a sustainable and active holiday experience?’
Varied program
The IBTC presents a varied program for professionals in the broad field of walking, cycling and tourism in the Domstad conference center. Author, long-distance walker and adventurer Tom Voors will give a keynote (see intro video) about the effects of long-distance walking on mental and physical health. In addition to a panel discussion, there will be breakout sessions about routes and storytelling, routes and micro-adventures and the results of the walking research in the Netherlands (Wandelnet).
Attention is also paid to developments abroad: the changes in cycling tourism in Berlin and the importance of theme routes, the roll-out of a national cycling network in Ireland and the development of the vias verdes (greenways) in Spain as a fully-fledged tourist product.
For more information: www.ibtconference.com. |
