It may sound like a silly question, but have you ever asked yourself what cycle tourism is really for?
Last weekend I was speaking with a tourism official from a region in southern Italy, and his words were very clear: “Every person who turns their home in the countryside into a bed & breakfast is one less person leaving their village. That’s why we focus on cycle tourism and walking routes.”
Tourism is one of the driving forces of modern Western economies, but it is also reshaping the face of many regions. There are places that are so overwhelmed with tourists that locals can hardly stand it anymore. And then there are beautiful villages where no one goes anymore, and the people are forced to leave.
Cycle tourism helps support these places. It’s a way to bring visitors where they are most needed.
And this represents a great opportunity for those who want to seize it: hoteliers, bike rental companies, guides, bicycle and accessory manufacturers, logistics providers, and many more.
And this is only the beginning.
P.S. Pre-registrations for the next Cycle Tourism Fair are now open — would you like to receive a proposal?
