Cycle Tourism Market by Group (Groups/Friends, Couples, Family, and Solo), Booking Mode (Direct, Travel Agent, and Marketplace Booking), Age Group (18 to 30 Years, 31 to 50 Years, and Above 50 Years), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Cycle Tourism Overview

Cycle tourism, also known as bicycle tourism or bike touring, is a leisure and recreational activity that entails bicycle travel, usually over longer distances, with the main objective of discovering new places, engaging with local cultures, and taking in the surrounding natural scenery. It includes a wide range of activities, such as road cycling, mountain biking, and hybrid biking over a variety of terrains, ranging from self-supported long-distance adventures to escorted group tours.

Cycle tourism gives participants a special opportunity to become fully immersed in the environment, establishing a stronger bond with the places and people they visit. This type of sustainable travel encourages outdoor recreation, environmentally friendly transportation, and low-impact travel while boosting regional economies by bringing in money for lodging, dining, and other services. Cycle tourism is a developing industry driven by people looking for adventure, cultural enrichment, and a healthy lifestyle. As a result, cycling infrastructure, tour packages, and related services have been developed to meet this expanding demand.

Global Cycle Tourism Market Analysis

The global cycle tourism market size was $451.5 million in 2022 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 14.6%, by generating a revenue of $1,763.6 million by 2032

COVID-19 Impact on Global Cycle Tourism Market

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly altered the market for bike tourism worldwide, bringing up numerous difficulties and changes in the sector. Many planned cycling trips were cancelled or postponed due to travel restrictions, lockdowns, and health concerns, which resulted in a sharp decline in tourist numbers and income for cycle tourism destinations, tour companies, bike rental services, lodging, and local businesses dependent on cycling-related tourism. Group cycling trips and events are made more difficult by social barriers and safety requirements. Although the crisis sparked innovation, it also led to a rise in family- and individual-focused bicycle activities as individuals sought out safer and more socially isolating forms of entertainment.

As individuals travelled around on two wheels, domestic and local cycle tourism saw a resurgence, which boosted sales of bicycles and riding gear. The epidemic additionally sped up the industry's adoption of technology, resulting in the growth of online cycle tours, virtual cycling events, and digital route planning. The cycle tourism industry has the chance to rebuild and adapt as the world slowly begins to recover by placing a focus on healthy, sustainable, and educational travel experiences while also taking into account the lessons learnt from the current global health crisis.

Rising Demand for Sustainable Travelling Options to Drive Market Growth

The market for cycle tourism is expanding dramatically as a result of a variety of variables that cater to the changing tastes and ideals of contemporary travellers. People are looking for ways to travel that reduce their carbon footprint as a result of an increasing emphasis on environmentally friendly and sustainable travel options, which has raised interest in cycling as a means of exploring new places. Cycling offers a unique opportunity to interact deeply with local people, landscapes, and cultures as a result of the growing interest in active travel that has been sparked by concerns about health and wellness. Governments and tourism organizations are investing in specialized cycling infrastructure, such as bike lanes, trails, and hotels that are favorable to cyclists, in order to increase accessibility and safety. The development of technology has further lowered logistical difficulties, making cycling tourism more appealing to a larger population. Examples include mobile apps for route planning and bike-sharing programs. Cycling offers a distinctive way to engage with locations in a more personal and experiential way, which is driving the expansion of the cycle tourism business to new heights as tourists seek out authentic and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Concerns Related to Safety to Restrain Market Growth

A wide range of interrelated factors act together to shape the dynamics of the bike tourism business. Infrastructure and accessibility, which include the quantity and caliber of bike lanes, bike-friendly pathways, and rental services, are crucial factors. The level of disposable income has an impact on people's desire to spend money on vacation and bicycle gear, among other economic issues, which play a significant effect. As more tourists choose eco-friendly and low-impact forms of travel, environmental awareness and sustainability issues have a big impact on the attraction of bike tourism. Social and cultural factors, such as how cycling is viewed locally and how it fits into popular lifestyles, can help or hurt the market. In addition, the practicality and appeal of bicycle trips are influenced by the weather and geographic geography. Infrastructure and safety issues are intertwined, and they include the perceived and real safety of bicycle routes and destinations. In addition, new technical developments, such as electric-assist bikes and navigation apps, have the potential to change the face of cycle tourism. Finally, outside forces like pandemics around the world can drastically change people's travel tastes and habits, underscoring the market's intrinsic volatility. In conclusion, the trajectory of the cycle tourism market is intricately shaped by a variety of factors, including accessibility, economic indicators, sustainability concerns, socio-cultural elements, weather and geography, safety considerations, technological trends, and unanticipated outside events.

Advancements in Technology to Drive Excellent Opportunities

Significant technological developments have caused a transformational increase in the cycle tourism industry. The conventional idea of bike tourism has been effortlessly incorporated with these advancements, completely changing the sector. Cycling has undergone a revolution with the introduction of smart navigation systems and GPS-enabled smartphones, allowing riders to explore new routes with ease and assuring a safer and more enjoyable experience. Additionally, the rise of mobile applications designed specifically for bike tourists has expedited trip preparation, lodging reservations, and even in-person communication with local guides, encouraging a stronger sense of independence and connectivity. The incorporation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices into bicycles has bolstered safety by enabling remote diagnosis and maintenance as well as real-time monitoring of important data. Through the creation of electric-assist bicycles that are powered by effective batteries and regenerative technology, sustainable practices have also gained popularity and cycle tourism is now accessible to a wider audience.

Global Cycle Tourism Market Share, by Group, 2022

The groups/friends sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. This sub-segment, which includes a wide variety of cyclists from casual riders to ardent aficionados, is distinguished by its preference for group travel. These cyclists frequently travel with friends, family, or other groups who share their interests, promoting a sense of camaraderie and adventure. The demand for customized bicycle tours and packages is fueled by the groups/friends segment, which forces tour operators and hospitality providers to design their services to accommodate a range of skill levels, preferences, and group sizes. Additionally, since group travelers frequently partake in a range of supplementary activities, such as dining, lodging, and local exploration, this sector supports the economic viability of cycle tourism destinations. The groups/friends segment has a substantial impact on the trajectory of the cycle tourism market by encouraging social relationships, lifelong memories, and a sense of accomplishment through shared cycling experiences, sparking continual innovation and assuring its enduring appeal.

Global Cycle Tourism Market Share, by Booking Mode, 2022

The direct sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. The direct segment in the market for cycle tourism relates to the essential elements and entities that are the foundation of the sector's operation. The key components that directly relate to cyclists and the infrastructure required for their rides are covered in this section. In order to meet the numerous needs of cyclists, it also comprises bicycle manufacturers and merchants, who are crucial in designing and offering bikes customized to different terrains and preferences. The direct market also includes tour operators and travel businesses that specialize in bicycle trips, choosing routes, lodgings, and activities that appeal to enthusiasts looking to explore on two wheels. The segment also includes those in charge of planning bicycle competitions, endurance tests, and group rides that inspire cyclists all around the world. Additionally, bike rental services make a big contribution by providing tourists with adaptable ways to obtain bicycles without the requirement for ownership. In addition to these, the establishment and maintenance of bike lanes, trails, repair facilities, and cyclist-friendly amenities play a significant part in building an environment that is favorable for cycle tourism. The direct segment supports the entire cycle tourism sector by fostering innovation, connectivity, and accessibility so that cyclists may set out on unforgettable experiences.

Global Cycle Tourism Market Share, by Age Group, 2022

The 31 to 50 years sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. The age group of people between the ages of 31 and 50 is crucial to the cycle tourism industry and represents a dynamic and important population. This age group has taken the lead in the expansion of cycling tourism thanks to a combination of their financial stability, active lives, and desire for unique travel experiences. People in this group frequently have more flexible schedules as a result of professional accomplishments or fewer familial duties, which enables them to go on longer and more in-depth bicycle trips. They are more likely to seek out high-quality bikes, equipment, and lodging because of their adventurous nature and better disposable income than younger tourists, which greatly boosts the revenue earned by the cycle tourism sector. Cycling also fits in well with this age group's priority of health and wellness as well as their desire for environmentally friendly and sustainable modes of transportation. They deliberately look for locations that offer scenic routes, cultural discovery, and culinary experiences as a result, which helps local economies and promotes the construction of infrastructure that is suitable to cyclists. Travel agencies and tour operators who cater to this age group design itineraries that take into account their particular preferences and combine cultural immersion, leisure, and physical activity. Overall, the age group of people between the ages of 31 and 50 is a significant force reshaping the current and future environment of cycle tourism, with their preferences and needs dictating the trends and advancements of the sector.

Global Cycle Tourism Market Share, by Region, 2022

The Europe cycle tourism market generated the highest revenue in 2022. Because of its rich cultural legacy, varied landscapes, well-developed infrastructure, and steadfast dedication to sustainable travel, the Europe region is crucial to the growth of the cycle tourism industry. Europe provides riders of all abilities with a diverse and enthralling experience thanks to its large network of bike trails that travel through beautiful countryside, ancient cities, and famous landmarks. With their designated bike lanes, well indicated routes, and amenities tailored to cyclists, countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany have established the standard for infrastructure that supports cycling. The rich history and cultural significance of the continent add to the attractiveness of cycling tourism because it allows visitors to stop at mediaeval towns, historic sites, and quaint villages along their journeys. Additionally, Europe's emphasis on environmentally friendly travel fits with the expanding eco-tourism craze, making the continent a pioneer in sustainable cycle tourism projects. Europe's combination of magnificent landscapes, rich history, and sustainable attitude solidifies its vital role in forming the global bike tourism business as tourists seek out meaningful and engaging experiences.

Competitive Scenario in the Global Cycle Tourism Market

Investment and agreement are common strategies followed by major market players. Intrepid Travel debuted its new U.S. adventure travel packages in December 2022. The latest tours combine outdoor physical activities such as  cycling and walking with itineraries that emphasize sightseeing and cuisine. SpiceRoads Cycling introduced a brand-new bicycle tour package to Colombia in August 2021 to let travelers experience the richness and beauty of Latin America's natural landscape. Colombians enjoy biking and the beautiful sport of riding, and the country has one of the most successful and lively cycling cultures in the world.

Some of the leading cycle tourism market players are SpiceRoads Cycling, World Expeditions, Travel + Leisure Holdco, LLC, Exodus Travels Limited., Intrepid Travel, G Adventures, Himalayan Glacier Adventure and Travel Company, Sarracini Travel, Arbutus Routes, and Austin Adventures.