The key figures of cycle tourism and how it is changing

4.6 billion € and 55 million overnight stays are the key figures for cycle tourism, which refer to the estimated average total expenditure generated in Italy (the first of these) and the number of overnight stays (the second).

While 62% is the share of foreign cycle tourists, with an expenditure of 2.9 billion €.

Germany alone accounts for more than a quarter of the cycle tourism movement in Italy. This is followed by neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and the United Kingdom. It should be noted that countries such as Poland, Albania and Slovenia, which together account for around 11% of international cycle tourists in Italy, have entered the scene in 2019.

More than encouraging numbers that have been extrapolated from the 2nd ISNART – Legambiente Bike Summit 2020 “Travelling by bike” report.

However, it should be emphasised that these are not isolated numbers, linked to a simple fashion or trend of the moment or even to changing travel habits and preferences dictated by the historical moment.

Already in 2018, Isnart and Legambiente, in their 1st report, had highlighted an increase in cycle tourism of +41% compared to 2013, mainly due to active tourists, whose presences had increased by +51%.

How cycling tourism is changing

While the numbers continue to grow, we are also seeing changes that should be taken into account in order to approach this market properly.

1. Staycation vs. long-haul trips

If before 2019, cycle tourism was a phenomenon that mainly concerned regions such as Tuscany, Emilia Romagna and Trentino Alto Adige. As of 2020 – also due to the increase in short-haul trips – southern regions (e.g. Campania, Calabria and Sicily) also saw an increase in cycle tourists.

In the last two years, Italian cycle tourists have started to travel in the same or neighbouring areas. While German-speaking cycle tourists have mainly concentrated in Trentino.

However – according to Expedia’s Q4 2021 report – long-haul trips are increasing steadily and significantly. This means that people want to discover the world again soon.

2. E-bikes drive the sector

We also talked about this in the previous article ‘E-bike charging and maintenance columns for public administration: everything you need to know‘. E-bikes are one of the most important trends in the two-wheeler sector and will continue to grow in the coming years.

Suffice it to say that the industry expects to reach 17 million units in 2030, thus surpassing the sale of muscle bikes.

Equipping oneself with e-bike recharging and maintenance columns therefore means aiming to intercept a customer segment that has largely moved out of niche status.

3. New trends in progress

However, thinking ahead, there are at least a couple of other trends that we cannot ignore or underestimate. On the one hand we have that of the gravel bike and on the other hand we have that of the female target group.

There are no definite, up-to-date numbers on the number of gravel bike sales. In 2020 it was around 35,000 units.

Nevertheless, the interest in this type of bike is witnessed by the various market players.

All manufacturers – today – have at least one gravel bike model in their catalogue.

There are tourist products dedicated entirely to this type of bike, such as ‘Gravel in the Land of Venice’.

Manufacturers of technical clothing have worked on dedicated product lines.

In short, beyond the numbers, the interest is truly palpable.

Another phenomenon is the target group of women. Here too, it is enough to attend a trade fair, or take a look at the visitors to one’s own website, or even take a Sunday morning bike ride to notice how there is an explosion of women cycling.

On the surface, these two trends may seem distant from each other, but on closer inspection both need services and maintenance infrastructure to make one’s cycling outings memorable.

4. Sustainability

Sustainability is one of the most debated topics in recent years. This is why it deserves special mention despite the fact that the bicycle is one of the eco-friendly means of transport par excellence.

Our products can be installed on both the most beaten and the less beaten routes, which reduces tourist overcrowding or overtourism.

And finally, we support local communities because by equipping themselves with e-bike recharging and maintenance infrastructures, even small destinations or facilities can become attractive to cycle tourists who bring wealth to the area.

Se vuoi trovare la soluzione migliore per essere sempre più bike friendly o vuoi avere maggiori informazioni contattaci senza impegno.