Description
In Maramures County was initiated the development of the Mara-Cosau-Creasta Cocosului ecotourism destination in which the tourists usually use motorized means of transport. The project aims to develop a specific cycling offer for tourists, to increase the attractiveness of the region for bikers and to stimulate the sustainable mobility by decreasing the carbon emissions generated by tourism activities of local guesthouses. The project provides tangible measures to reduce the CO2 generated by the tourism activity, in a model area for sustainable development. As expected results 4 new bicycle trails will be developed along the Cosau valley, 20 tourism attractions will be equipped with bike-racks facilitating parking, 6 guesthouses will be equipped and prepared for cycling. A GPS driven tourism guide developed for mobiles and tablets, a web site and 3000 leaflets with map will secure the attraction of responsible tourist clientele and stimulate the carbon free mobility. In addition, a partnership of 25 guesthouses will demonstrate efficient practices to reduce their CO2 emissions, facilitating the access on market for local producers.
Summary of project results
Two years ago, a scenic piece of land in south-western Historical Maramureș County was declared an ecotourism destination. Besides obvious advantages, this recognition came together with a responsibility for preserving the region and keeping it away from harm through environmentally sustainable practices. Just like the title says it, the “Travel Green – with zero emissions in the Mara-Cosău-Creasta Cocoșului eco-destination” project aimed at reducing this region’s carbon footprint by increasing its attractiveness for cycle-tourists and by pleading for sustainable mobility. The eco-destination has a very good setting for cycling and mountain biking activities, but many of the routes perfect for pedalling, especially those on the Cosău Valley, were still not known by travellers willing to discover the area on two wheels. The numbers of cycle-friendly guesthouses and bikes for rent were still modest and the sources of information were not enough to satisfy the cyclists' needs. Therefore, the “Travel green” activities have been oriented towards improving the bike infrastructure, the cycle-tourism offer and the region’s visibility. 90 km of bike trails have been marked and signposted in the area, 20 bike parking racks were placed at different points of interest for tourists and 6 guesthouses have been supplied with cycling equipment, 4 of them also becoming bike-rental centres. Also, printed and internet informative materials were designed and spread in order to attract cycle-tourists in the area. The events, training sessions and workshops organised within the project were meant both to raise environmental awareness among locals involved in tourism activities, and also to make project’s objectives and outputs more visible. As a result, the guesthouses in the area are now better prepared to offer eco-friendly tourist services, while tourists, both Romanian and foreigners, know significantly more about the area and find it more appealing. The key competencies achieved by different beneficiaries, through training sessions and workshops organised within the project, will improve the quality of tourist services and other professional activities.
Summary of bilateral results