The Velo Baltica cycling route has been awarded by the Polish Tourist Organisation

The Best Tourist Product competition is designed to highlight and promote outstanding tourist initiatives across Poland. Products are judged on their quality, innovation, and contribution to the development of local tourism. The competition has four main categories: the POT Certificate, Golden POT Certificate, Internet Users' Certificate, and Tourist Discovery of the Year. The winning products must be in operation for at least two years, with Velo Baltica being a prime example of a well-established, high-quality tourist product.

Velo Baltica is the West Pomeranian part of two international bicycle routes, Eurovelo 10 (Baltic Sea Cycle Route) and EuroVelo 13 (Iron Curtain Trail).

Velo Baltica is a part of the extensive cycling network that runs along Poland’s Baltic coast, offering cyclists the opportunity to explore picturesque landscapes, charming coastal towns, and the natural beauty of the Baltic Sea. The route stretches through the West Pomeranian region, which is renowned for its well-maintained infrastructure and cycling-friendly environment. In 2023, the Velo Baltica attracted 1.3 million visitors, further underlining its popularity and significance as a key tourist destination.

Olgierd Geblewicz, the Marshal of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, emphasized the region’s leadership in the development of cycling tourism in Poland. "Our cycling routes are charming, well-prepared, and continuously expanding. Velo Baltica, in particular, is one of the most popular routes among cyclists and has become a symbol of the West Pomeranian region. It provides a unique way for visitors to experience the beauty of the Baltic Sea, which draws thousands of tourists every year," said Geblewicz.

The POT Certificate is one of the highest honors in the competition, and winning this award will help promote Velo Baltica both in Poland and internationally. The route will now have the opportunity to use the POT Certificate logo in its promotional materials, and it will be included in various marketing initiatives organized by the Polish Tourist Organization. These activities will include social media campaigns, print and online advertising, television programs, collaborations with influencers, and participation in international tourism fairs.

In addition to Velo Baltica, the competition also evaluated other tourism projects from the West Pomeranian region, including a cycling route around the Szczecin Lagoon. Although the latter did not win the POT Certificate, it was still recognized for its potential and contribution to the region’s tourism offering.

Jakub Kowalik, the Vice-Marshall of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, highlighted that the region is committed to developing cycling infrastructure that benefits both locals and tourists. "We believe that cycling routes are an essential part of the region’s tourism offer. Our investments in cycling infrastructure are among the highest rated in the European Union, as evidenced by their inclusion in the EuroVelo guidebook. This recognition is a testament to the quality and impact of our cycling initiatives," Kowalik added.

With its focus on sustainable tourism, the region is set to continue its efforts to enhance the cycling experience, ensuring that more people can enjoy the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of West Pomerania while promoting eco-friendly travel. The success of Velo Baltica exemplifies the growing popularity of cycling as a mode of tourism, and the award is expected to boost the profile of the route and the region as a whole.