Possibilities of improving international cross-border cooperation through cycling the "Szekelys Route"

Abstract

International cycling the "Szekelys route" could become the backbone of cycling as part of sports and recreational tourism in Serbia. Within it there are two EU member states (Romania and Hungary), both bordering Serbia, therefore with the help of the IPA pre-accession funds, cross-border cooperation would be facilitated for Serbia in the future. The "Szekelys route" participants-cyclists for years start their cycling from Radauci in Romania and in the length of about 1,200 km they are cycling through the unique landscapes of Romania, Hungary and Serbia, thus approaching natural, cultural and spiritual values of the area they are passing. With that in mind, one of the fundamental aims of this research was to indicate the potential of networking the region through which the route passes by. It would be possible with various sport and recreational and cultural events, and natural and cultural values, aimed at becoming an official cycle route, which would consequently generate many other facilities. Also, the aim was the promotion of Romania, Hungary and Serbia (Vojvodina). The field research resulted in mapping of the area and interviews with professionals from the Bicycle Alliance of Vojvodina, the organizer of the "Szekelys route" and participants in the cycling, helped in SWOT analyzing.