Velo Popas - the first #cyclingfriendly certification in Romania - now also for wineries
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In the spring of 2024, we announced here in this article that Bike in Time has brought the first cycle tourism certification to Romania, Velo Popas.
#cyclingfriendly or #cyclistswelcome certifications are increasingly present in Europe and countries with a tradition in cycling and cycle tourism have even more certifications. These indicate that some businesses (hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions) have a minimum of cyclist-friendly infrastructure.
In Romania, the first (and so far the only) certification is Velo Popas. With the slogan “SMART bike-friendly stops”, Velo Popas invites accommodation units, restaurants & local gastronomic points, as well as tourist attractions (which also include wineries), to register on the platform of the same name. Each company has to meet certain criteria (some are mandatory, others are recommended) to receive certification.
Velo Popas platform is part of the #cyclistswelcome "family" which includes four other countries (Czech Republic - the founder, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary).
“Velo Popas” certification is a program that aims to identify and promote accommodations, restaurants and tourist attractions that meet the specific needs of cyclists. Given Romania’s growing network of cycling routes and its diverse landscapes, the program aims to improve the cyclist experience by ensuring access to well-equipped, safe and welcoming facilities.
The advantages of certification are:
- The only national certification for service providers that cycle tourists benefit from
- International recognition, including by the European Cyclists Federation
- International promotion on websites dedicated to cyclists
- Attracting a growing tourism niche and visibility for all cycle tourists who prepare their holidays in the area where the business is carried out.
- An efficient marketing tool: clear definition of the target group, differentiation from other services
- Using the certification as an "eco" certification
- Support and consultancy in the implementation of certification criteria
What do you get if you access a "Velo Popas" certification:
#cyclingfriendly or #cyclistswelcome certifications are increasingly present in Europe and countries with a tradition in cycling and cycle tourism have even more certifications. These indicate that some businesses (hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions) have a minimum of cyclist-friendly infrastructure.
In Romania, the first (and so far the only) certification is Velo Popas. With the slogan “SMART bike-friendly stops”, Velo Popas invites accommodation units, restaurants & local gastronomic points, as well as tourist attractions (which also include wineries), to register on the platform of the same name. Each company has to meet certain criteria (some are mandatory, others are recommended) to receive certification.
Velo Popas platform is part of the #cyclistswelcome "family" which includes four other countries (Czech Republic - the founder, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary).
“Velo Popas” certification is a program that aims to identify and promote accommodations, restaurants and tourist attractions that meet the specific needs of cyclists. Given Romania’s growing network of cycling routes and its diverse landscapes, the program aims to improve the cyclist experience by ensuring access to well-equipped, safe and welcoming facilities.
The advantages of certification are:
- The only national certification for service providers that cycle tourists benefit from
- International recognition, including by the European Cyclists Federation
- International promotion on websites dedicated to cyclists
- Attracting a growing tourism niche and visibility for all cycle tourists who prepare their holidays in the area where the business is carried out.
- An efficient marketing tool: clear definition of the target group, differentiation from other services
- Using the certification as an "eco" certification
- Support and consultancy in the implementation of certification criteria
What do you get if you access a "Velo Popas" certification:
- increased visibility: certified facilities are presented on the official Velo Popas platform and in promotional materials distributed to cycling communities and tourists.
- recognition: The Velo Popas badge serves as a quality mark, signaling to cyclists that the location is reliable and useful.
- sustainable tourism: Participation aligns businesses with ecological tourism practices, attracting environmentally conscious travelers.
- increased revenues: By meeting the needs of the cycling community, businesses can attract a new and growing segment of travelers, increasing revenues and customer loyalty.
- promotion on EuroVelo website and of partners and websites dedicated to cycle tourists.
The platform includes 3 categories of companies that can be certified, namely: Accommodation, Gastronomy and Tourist Attractions. The last category, that of "Tourist Attractions", also includes Wineries.
How can wineries benefit from this certification?
For Velo Popas, wineries that have also have tourism activities fall into the "tourist objectives" category. If they also have a hotel and/or a restaurant, they can also fall into the other two categories, but winery tasting visits are considered tourist experiences, so those wineries that have accessed certification on Velo Popas platform were listed in this category.
Being still at the beginning, wine tourism is not implemented at all wineries and those that organize visits and tastings do not yet have very clearly defined visitor categories. Therefore, for those wineries that are thinking of including this niche of tourists, the #cyclingfriendly certification could be an advantage in the medium/long term.
In the two years of operation of the Velo Popas platform, over 40 units have been certified, of which 3 wineries are already certified and another 3 are in the certification process. The map of Velo Popas certified locations is available on the official website.
How much does it cost and what criteria must a winery meet to receive certification?
If you represent a winery, receive visits from cyclists and want to develop this tourism section, you can find more information about the Velo Popas certification here.
The membership fee is 365 RON/year (1 RON/day) and is used exclusively for the promotion and maintenance of the platform.
Note: there may be other costs related to meeting the certification criteria and may include costs for promotional materials, a tool kit for cyclists, bicycle parking, etc.
A FAQ list is available on the site, both for members and for potential beneficiaries - cyclists.
Carmina Nițescu
Winesday.ro & Winesday App
How can wineries benefit from this certification?
For Velo Popas, wineries that have also have tourism activities fall into the "tourist objectives" category. If they also have a hotel and/or a restaurant, they can also fall into the other two categories, but winery tasting visits are considered tourist experiences, so those wineries that have accessed certification on Velo Popas platform were listed in this category.
Being still at the beginning, wine tourism is not implemented at all wineries and those that organize visits and tastings do not yet have very clearly defined visitor categories. Therefore, for those wineries that are thinking of including this niche of tourists, the #cyclingfriendly certification could be an advantage in the medium/long term.
In the two years of operation of the Velo Popas platform, over 40 units have been certified, of which 3 wineries are already certified and another 3 are in the certification process. The map of Velo Popas certified locations is available on the official website.
How much does it cost and what criteria must a winery meet to receive certification?
If you represent a winery, receive visits from cyclists and want to develop this tourism section, you can find more information about the Velo Popas certification here.
The membership fee is 365 RON/year (1 RON/day) and is used exclusively for the promotion and maintenance of the platform.
Note: there may be other costs related to meeting the certification criteria and may include costs for promotional materials, a tool kit for cyclists, bicycle parking, etc.
A FAQ list is available on the site, both for members and for potential beneficiaries - cyclists.
Carmina Nițescu
Winesday.ro & Winesday App
