Koprivnica, a city with a rich cycling culture, participants had a chance to engage in project discussions and explore local cycling infrastructure and tourism initiatives. One of the highlights of the gathering was a guided cycling tour along the Iron Curtain Trail that also crosses paths with the “Amazon of Europe” trail, which showcases the region’s unique natural beauty while promoting sustainable tourism. The Amazon of Europe cross-border cycling trail follows the Mura, Drava, and Danube rivers, an area recognised as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The experience allowed the project partners to witness firsthand the potential of cycling tourism to promote local economic development and environmental conservation.
During the event, participants also visited local SMEs that are directly involved in the region’s cycling tourism sector. These interactions underlined the importance of supporting local businesses and fostering innovation to ensure that cycling routes such as the Iron Curtain Trail and the Amazon of Europe trail become key drivers of sustainable tourism in Central Europe. One of the key takeaways from these visits was the need for tailored mentoring programs aimed at enhancing the capacity of local businesses to capitalise on growing cycling tourism opportunities.
The upcoming mentoring, to be offered in the next phase of the project, will provide SMEs and business support organisations with guidance on sustainable business practices, marketing strategies, and ways to improve their service offerings for cyclists. The goal is to strengthen the local economies along the ICTr by equipping businesses with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive and environmentally conscious tourism landscape.
The ICTR-CE project, now at its halfway mark, continues to focus on leveraging the historical and cultural significance of the Iron Curtain Trail, which spans over 10,000 kilometres across Europe. The trail not only commemorates the historical division of Europe but also promotes a shared European identity through sustainable tourism initiatives. By supporting local economies and encouraging eco-friendly travel, the project aligns with broader European Union goals of fostering regional development and environmental protection.