The bicycle tourism market - Italy

Since 2020, the global bicycle tourism market, valued at over $300 million, has shown significant growth, with an expected annual growth rate of 13.95%, potentially reaching over $680 million by 2026. The surge in popularity is partly driven by heightened sustainability awareness, leading the population to engage in eco-friendly activities. Italy has become a prominent destination in this market, attracting numerous cycle tourists, particularly from Germany, France, and Austria. This is supported by an abundance of Italian cycle tourists from the country's northern region. Investments from sports associations, social clubs, private merchants, and substantial state public investments are fostering the market's expansion. Europe dominates the global market in value terms, with projections pointing to 6 billion euros generated from components and an estimated 30 million bikes and eBikes sold by 2030. Governments have allocated approximately 1.7 billion euros in 2021 to cycling initiatives in the EU. Italy, which saw about 31 million cycling tourism presences in 2022, is profiting from this trend, generating around 4 billion euros and significantly contributing to local economies, with an estimated economic impact of about 338 thousand euros per km of bike path. The Italian bicycle industry, buoyed by the demand for cycling tourism, sold over 2 million units in 2020 and expects continued growth in sales and revenue. Italy's role in production and trade has been robust, with positive export-import balances. The COVID-19 impact has augmented bicycle usage due to additional bike lanes and government incentives like the "Bike Bonus." In summary, the bicycle tourism market, with a firm backing from sustainable mobility trends and favorable government policies, has experienced substantial expansion since 2020 and shows promising forecasts for the future..### The Flourishing Landscape of Bicycle Tourism in Italy: Trends and Market Dynamics Amidst the picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Italy has seen a robust growth in the domain of bicycle tourism, propelled by the dual engines of environmental consciousness and a burgeoning demand for eco-friendly travel experiences. A country renowned for its picturesque scenery and temperate Mediterranean climate, Italy beckons cyclists from both near and far, laying testament to the enduring allure of pedal-powered exploration. From the sprawling network of EuroVelo routes to the scenic stretches of the Pan-American highway, the wheels of growth in the global cycle tourism market have been turning rapidly, with forecasts estimating values soaring beyond the €680 million mark in the upcoming years. Italy, aligning with this global uptrend, has seen a surge in the number of domestic bicycle tourists, especially from the northern regions, partially due to the increased focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. The market's vibrancy is not just a stroke of serendipity but a result of strategic investments and initiatives. A diverse range of stakeholders from sports associations to private merchants have channeled funds into developing cycle tourism, offering crafted routes and packages for tourists. Not left behind, public investment has also played a pivotal role, providing incentives for entrepreneurs and companies eyeing opportunities within this sector. Delving into the specifics, Italy's bicycle tourism market has been a beacon of positivity, attracting over 31 million visitor presences, which equates to roughly 4% of the total tourism footfall in the nation. This has translated into an estimated windfall of approximately €4 billion, underpinning the economic prowess of bicycle tourism. Furthermore, the average daily distance embarked upon by cycling enthusiasts spans from 50 to 150 kilometers, showcasing the robust engagement within this leisure pursuit. When probing the European context, Germany and the United Kingdom lead the charge as the largest markets for cycle tourism, closely tailed by the Netherlands. Interestingly, the post-COVID-19 era has seen a marked uptick in the proclivity for cycling and exploring the great outdoors, with electric bikes (e-bikes) emerging as the new crowd favorites, accounting for a commendable 11% of production growth. Italy's role in two-wheeler manufacturing cannot be overstated, commanding the spotlight as Europe's leading producer with an influential 21% market share. This dominance in production harmoniously complements the export-import balance, standing strong at 1.3 million units. In terms of geographical dispersion, more than half of the production cat.### Key Players Shaping the Bicycle Tourism Market Landscape The bicycle tourism market, although diverse and constantly evolving, is significantly influenced by various key stakeholders. These players play a critical role in offering services, promoting destinations, and contributing to the sustainable growth of the industry. Three of the main entities cited within the context of bicycle tourism include EuroVelo, ItalyBikeHotels, and ISNART. **EuroVelo** is a network of long-distance cycling routes crisscrossing Europe. This institutional giant within the cyclotourism industry has pioneered the development of bike-friendly routes spanning the continent, making it considerably easier for tourists to plot cross-country tours on two wheels. The vision of EuroVelo has been instrumental in creating cohesive, signposted, and easily navigable routes that have appealed to both casual and serious cyclists looking for adventure or a leisurely scenic ride. **ItalyBikeHotels** serves as a commercial consortium, representing a group of hotels specifically catering to the needs of cycling enthusiasts. Distinguishing itself as a niche market player, ItalyBikeHotels offers tailored services to cyclists, including routes distributed among various hotels that are part of the group. The presence of such dedicated accommodations indicates the Italian market is maturing, with specific investments channeled towards enhancing the overall cycling experience. Their involvement in cycling tourism showcases how the hospitality service can pivot to appeal to a target group that's well-defined and growing in numbers. **ISNART**, which stands for the National Institute for Tourism Research, plays an influential role by providing valuable data and insights that steer market understanding and strategies. Their research and reports, such as the National Report on Cycle Tourism in Italy, form the backbone of market intelligence for policy-making and business decisions. ISNART's analytical contributions help in tracking trends, economic contributions, and tourist profiles that are vital for shaping the direction of the cycling tourism market in Italy. The market structure, being a composite of these varied actors, illustrates a robust and dynamic cycling tourism ecosystem. From providing infrastructure and endorsing cycling-friendly practices, as seen with EuroVelo, to delivering specialized hospitality services like ItalyBikeHotels, and shaping knowledge-based strategies with ISNART's research, each player contributes towards a strong and engaging cyclotourism market that continues to pedal forwards.

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• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 16/12/2021

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