Polish Tourism Organisation took part in the Fiets en Wandelbeurs trade show in the Dutch city of Utrecht, where it focused on promoting the new Velo Małopolska cycling trails and regions crossed by Green Velo.

More than 41,000 people visited the Fiets en Wandelbeurs 2020 active tourism trade show, which recently wrapped up in Utrecht. For three days between 28 February and 1 March, visitors could become familiar with the offer of cycling and walking trails and the latest sports equipment.

Poland had a prominent presence at the trade show, where it was represented by the new cycling trails of Velo Małopolska - Polish stand’s guest of honour - and regions crossed by Green Velo. The stand operated by staff of Amsterdam-based Polish Tourism Organisation International Office provided more general information on available highlights and active tourism.

In addition to traditional materials, such as leaflets and maps, everyone interested in Poland’s active offer could choose from several highlights promoting cycling trails. Marshal’s Office of the Małopolska Voivodeship brought a unique piece of equipment - an indoor trainer making it possible to literally get on a bike and experience some of the routes co-creating the Velo Małopolska trail. The region’s bike-related offer was also promoted by means of a special, large-format touchscreen monitor set up at the stand.

Speaking of highlights applying the latest technologies, the Green Velo team invited visitors to the already quite famous 5D capsule showing a film dedicated to East Poland’s five voivodeships.

Velo Małopolska was also the subject of “Małopolska Cycling Challenge”, a specialized presentation featuring experts from the region discussing the latest routes and giving practical advice about staging active holidays in Poland. In addition, the guests had an opportunity to listen to Jarosław Tarański, blogger and bike enthusiast running the Velo Małopolska fan page, Marcin Kozioł of the Travelling Inspiration association, author of the “80 Bikes Around Poland” project and the “Cycling with no obstacles” initiative aimed at blind, visually impaired and deaf-blind travellers, as well as Marek Szwed of JAN-POL Incoming Tour Operator.

The Fiets en Wandelbeurs trade show is Europe’s largest event of this kind to be dedicated to tourists interested in cycling and walking expeditions. Polish Tourism Organisation (Polska Organizacja Turystyczna - POT) is present at both the Dutch and Belgian edition. Many Dutch travellers perceive Diets en Wandelbeurs as the best reflection of outbound tourism trends that also inaugurates the season of planning active holidays in a given year. Its next edition is scheduled to take place in late February/early March 2021.