A shared vision is giving rise to a new cross-border cycling experience: The 12 Thermal Spa Tour combines cycling, thermal spa experiences, culture, and cuisine. To turn this idea into a marketable offering, the project is developing a master plan, a partner network, training programs, services, and communication strategies in clearly structured phases that build on one another.
Project Duration:
September 2024 – August 2027
Project Partners:
Thermen- & Vulkanland Tourism Association (LP)
Styrian Vulkanland Association
Institute for Tourism and Development Lendava
Municipality of Moravske Toplice
Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Maribor
The project begins with the partners jointly defining objectives and agreeing on the strategic direction. This lays the foundation for the development of the 12 Thermal Spa Tour.
2
Study Tours & Analysis
Best Practice Examples
In the project area and at selected best-practice destinations, successful models are analyzed and evaluated for their transferability. The findings are directly incorporated into the development of our own tours and offerings.
3
A Shared Vision for the Future
Based on the analysis, a coordinated vision for the cross-border flagship product is developed. It defines the positioning, target audiences, and strategic direction of the 12 Thermal Spa Tour.
4
Implementation of the Bicycle Master Plan
The Bicycle Master Plan specifies the route alignment, quality standards, and necessary measures for the bicycle path network. It serves as the central foundation for implementing the route in the region.Der Radmasterplan konkretisiert die Streckenführung, Qualitätsstandards und notwendigen Maßnahmen im Radwegenetz. Er bildet die zentrale Grundlage für die Umsetzung der Tour im Raum.
5
Business Certification (Winter 2025)
Tourism businesses are inspected and certified according to defined quality criteria. This creates a reliable network of partners that ensures a seamless travel experience.
6
Cycling Guide Training
Qualified bike guides are trained through specialized courses. They provide professional guidance and enhance the quality of the experience along the entire route.
7
Green Bike & Spa Academy
The Academy brings together training, knowledge transfer, and quality development for businesses and partners. It ensures the long-term expertise and ongoing development of services throughout the project area.
Take this opportunity to prepare your business for the future:
From cycling tourism and sustainability to digital visibility, artificial intelligence, and storytelling - gain practical insights, concrete tools, and new ideas for your business.
On March 25, 2026, the Fürstenfeld City Hall became a gathering place for everyone who wants to help shape exercise, well-being, and the future of cycling in the Thermen- & Vulkanland region. As part of the informational event on “Bike & Spa – the 12-Thermen Tour,” participants gained exciting insights into the current status of the project and the cycling master plan developed by Eltner Marketing Service. Particular emphasis was placed on the diverse opportunities for businesses to actively participate in this forward-looking project.
It was an evening full of inspiration and new perspectives—truly in keeping with the spirit of a region that combines gentle exercise with soothing experiences.
The “Bike & Spa” project created a cross-border offering that combines cycling, wellness, and culinary experiences. The focus was on developing the 12-Thermal-Spa Tour, which linked the thermal spas of the Thermen- & Vulkanland region with those in Slovenia. In addition, measures such as the expansion of cycling infrastructure, the training of cycling guides, and the implementation of digital services were carried out to establish a sustainable and high-quality tourism offering.
As part of a direct award procedure pursuant to Section 46 of the Austrian Federal Procurement Act 2018 (BVergG 2018), the following supply contract pursuant to Section 6 BVergG 2018 is being tendered.
Project name: Bike & Spa, SIAT00228 Contracting authority: Thermen- & Vulkanland Tourism Association
Specification of Services Within the framework of the Bike & Spa SIAT00228 project, 10 display cases including support posts are to be delivered to different locations in the districts of Südoststeiermark and Hartberg-Fürstenfeld.
The following services and products are subject to this tender: CPV code: 44423400-5
Quantity: 10 display cases including support posts Material: Aluminium Design: Single-sided Features: Lockable, magnetic back panel, weatherproof and waterproof Fire protection class: B1 Glazing: ESG safety glass Opening mechanism: Gas pressure springs Display format: 27 × DIN A4 Minimum display area: 189 cm wide × 89.1 cm high Support posts: Suitable for embedding in concrete or for screw fixing Overall height: At least 200 cm Delivery: To different locations, such as municipal depots, in the districts of Südoststeiermark and Hartberg-Fürstenfeld
Procurement Procedure The contracting authority will conduct the procurement as a single-stage procedure with the option of subsequent negotiations. Following submission of the tenders, the contracting authority may invite the best or lowest-priced bidder to negotiations.
The contract will be awarded according to the lowest-price principle. The tender price therefore constitutes the award criterion.
Submission of Tenders Written tenders must be submitted to: Tourismusverband Thermen- & Vulkanland Hauptstraße 2a 8280 Fürstenfeld Austria or by e-mail to: joerg.pfeifer@thermen-vulkanland.at
Submission deadline: 26 September 2026, 12:00 am The document must be duly signed by an authorised representative of the bidding company.
The following information must be clearly stated on the tender: Project: Bike & Spa SIAT00228 CPV code: 44423400-5
