The Limassol Tourism Company is undertaking a significant role in the field of sustainable mobility in the region of Limassol. Experienced in successfully implementing a three-year European project in this field, LTC is in the process of implementing a new European programme under the Horizon2020 initiative entitled ‘Civitas Destinations’. The project will run for four years.
The total funds awarded to Limassol for the implementation of the project are €3 million with LTC being the main leading partner (€ 1.8 million) along with the Limassol Municipality (€ 728,000) and Stratagem Energy Ltd (€ 500,000).
The project focuses on upgrading the tourist product of Limassol and enhancing visitors experience by offering more sustainable mobility options to both tourists and locals, increasing the number of cycling and walking tourism, promoting a healthier environment through actions that will lead to vehicle emission reduction, in addition to, upgrading infrastructure and improving mobility through technology and connectivity.
The following is an outline of some of the measures:
- 25 electronic signs will be installed at bus stops along the coastline that will provide information regarding bus arrival times and waiting duration
- 25 electronic signs will be installed inside the buses offering information regarding bus stops and routes, as well as providing tourists with general information
- Creation of electric/hybrid hop-on hop-off bus service with audio guides offering visitors sightseeing tours in different languages
- Installation of shelters for EV chargers and expansion of existing EAC electric car charging network in Limassol
- Increase the number of electric vehicles available for rent
- Improve infrastructure for cycling and walking routes
- Installation of map panels and signage in existing cycling and walking routes, providing tourist information regarding nearby landmarks and villages
- New bicycle lanes will be created connecting the city with the coastline
- Expansion of the existing bike sharing system
- Creation of information and promotional material regarding mobility options combined with special interest tourist activities
- Creation of a mobile application that will provide information on sustainable mobility, including location of nearest bus station, bike rental spot, bike sharing station, EV charger, available parking spaces in the city centre, cycling and walking paths and so on, as well as a user friendly travel planner
- Improved public transport timetables taking into consideration the needs of visitors
- Installation of bicycle stands on buses
- Establish an award system for businesses in the tourism industry who promote sustainable mobility
- Creation of a Tourism Mobility Card, providing tourists with incentives to use sustainable transportation by offering discounts to Limassol landmarks
The above listed measures are just some of the actions that will be implemented throughout the four year duration of the project. Overall, the allocated funds will be invested on upgrading and improving the tourist product of Limassol as a destination, particularly in the field of sustainable mobility.
The Limassol Tourism Company continues working on new proposals for European projects that will further upgrade the tourist product of the region, particularly in special interest tourism sectors including diving, gastronomy, culture, cruise tourism and more.
