A catalyst for opportunities. Not to be missed.

Project Title: Venezia&LaguneBike

Project implemented with funding from the POR – ERDF, European Regional Development Fund 2014–2020

POR ERDF Action 3.3.4 Sub B

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

The “Venezia&LaguneBike” project led to the creation of a new business network, called VODCE, for the development of a product club dedicated to cycle tourism in the Upper Adriatic area, stretching from Bibione to Cavallino Treporti, with a bike-and-boat formula.

The legal form chosen to bring the businesses together was a contract-based network, led by ABA Servizi – Bibione Hoteliers’ Association. The project involves 26 network members: ABA, 22 hotels, 1 campsite and 2 bicycle rental companies. Four DMOs are involved in the project: Bibione and San Michele al Tagliamento, Caorle, Jesolo-Eraclea and Cavallino-Treporti.

This is a complex tourism product, unique of its kind, which can only be developed through a network strategy. The product, called “Venezia&LaguneBike”, consists of one itinerary, 4 excursions and the “Faro to Faro” event, scheduled for the end of September each year. Although the network is mainly composed of accommodation facilities, it is structured to provide a full range of complementary services designed to meet the needs of cycle tourists in every respect.

The service charter is divided into 8 actions, with common minimum standards shared by network members according to the specific activities they carry out, in order to guarantee the quality of the product. The objectives achieved are: a) the creation of a new product club, as a coordinated and organised system among the parties directly involved, coordinated by the lead partner ABA Servizi; b) the creation of a tourism product of excellence, with uniform and shared quality standards; c) the regeneration of the tourism product, traditionally linked to seaside tourism; d) the deseasonalisation of the offer, thanks to the opportunities connected with cycle tourism; e) the promotion of a product in line with slow, sustainable and green tourism; f) the implementation of highly targeted promotion and marketing of the product, in relation to the identified target groups and markets; g) recognisability, through the adoption of a shared logo identifying both the network members and the product.

ELIGIBLE TECHNICAL EXPENDITURE: €400,000 NON-REPAYABLE GRANT: 50% of the expenditure incurred and paid TOTAL REPORTED PROJECT EXPENDITURE: €404,172.43

Non-repayable grant received by the “Venezia&LaguneBike” network: €200,000