The Hungarian government is planning the development of cycle routes between Hungary’s main tourist attractions. The first phase envisages a Danube cycle route between Rajka and Budapest; a further plan in the first phase is for a cycle route network between Budapest and Lake Balaton, and to Etyek (famous for its wine festival); a high priority state investment would be the comprehensive upgrading of cycle routes around Lake Balaton. Project preparation is the responsibility of István Garancsi, who was appointed by the Prime Minister.

The development concept for hiking and cycle tourism will be completed by January 2012, followed by realisation using EU funds, according to the Government’s plans. Hungarian SMEs are interested in cycle tourism which can integrate with village tourism and ecotourism, gastronomy and recreation. According to Mr. Garancsi – who is himself a keen hiker and cyclist – experience across Europe has shown that this field offers endless market potential.

Mr. Garancsi said that the development has two main aspects: infrastructure and legislative; therefore he also sees it as his task to create legislation needed for the development of cycle tourism. The goal is to build cycle routes of international quality, and to make the existing ones safe and up-to-date. Newly-built routes are to connect to existing infrastructure, necessitating a cycle route network. The elements that may link to the new route network are known: rest stops, services, bike rental outlets, restaurants or accommodation.

(Ministry of Public Administration and Justice)