Fuerteventura Embraces Sustainable Cycling Tourism with Eurovelo Initiative
In a significant step towards promoting sustainable tourism, the recent council meeting in Fuerteventura witnessed Podemos Canarias presenting a motion to analyze the island’s roads and cycling routes. This initiative aims to integrate Fuerteventura into Eurovelo Route 1, also known as the Atlantic Coast Route. The aim is to enhance eco-friendly tourism and respect for the environment, as highlighted by Gustavo García Suárez, the spokesperson for the Podemos group at the Cabildo de Fuerteventura.
What is Eurovelo?
Eurovelo, organized by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) based in Belgium, seeks to establish a vast network of 15 long-distance cycling routes covering nearly 70,000 kilometers across Europe. The vision was set to be realized by 2020, creating a connected network for cycling enthusiasts throughout the continent. Among these routes, Eurovelo 1 stands out as particularly relevant to Fuerteventura.
Benefits to Fuerteventura
Eurovelo Route 1, traversing several countries that contribute significantly to the tourist influx in the Canary Islands—such as Norway, Great Britain, Ireland, France, mainland Spain, and Portugal—provides a strategic advantage for Fuerteventura. Many cities along this route are already linked by air travel and have direct connections to the island, making it an attractive stopover for international cyclists.
Moreover, the route is backed by a generous funding commitment of 5 million euros from the EU’s Interreg program. This financial support offers a unique opportunity to refurbish parts of the island’s roads to cater to cycling tourism. Briansó, a representative from the Podemos party, noted that aligning with Eurovelo could substantially benefit not only cycling tourists but also local residents seeking alternative modes of local transport.
The Economic Impact of Cycling Tourism
The proposed analysis of cycling routes underscores the broader economic and environmental advantages of cycling tourism. This eco-tourism is characterized by its proximity to local businesses, generating revenue for small shops while maintaining a low environmental footprint. It’s a form of tourism that distributes wealth more evenly and fosters community growth within rural areas.
This point is reinforced by statistics indicating that cyclists engaging in cycling tourism typically spend an average of 57.08 euros per day, which includes accommodations. They usually fall within a spending range of 50 to 70 euros, with an average stay of 7.7 days. This translates to an average expenditure of approximately 439 euros per visit, as noted by Podemos.
Community Support and Collaboration
The motion presented by Podemos is backed by collaborative efforts from organizations like Bici Verde and Tenerife en Bici. These partnerships emphasize the importance of community involvement in promoting and enhancing cycling routes. The collective aim is not just to attract tourists but to build a cycling-friendly environment that residents can also enjoy for daily commutes and recreational activities.
Commitment From Local Government
This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of the Government of the Canary Islands to sustainable tourism. Just a month ago, a similar motion put forth by Podemos garnered governmental support. This new motion aims to further solidify Fuerteventura’s readiness to adopt cycling tourism practices and engage fully with the Eurovelo network, showcasing the island as a premier destination for cycling enthusiasts.
By focusing on the analysis of current cycling routes and pursuing upgrades, Fuerteventura posits itself not only as a beautiful travel destination but also as a forward-thinking community eager to embrace sustainable practices that benefit both tourists and locals alike.
