Cycle Tourism Market Size | Share and Trends 2024 to 2034

Cycle Tourism Market Size and Forecast 2024 to 2034

The global cycle tourism market size accounted for USD 139.54 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach around USD 339.54 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 9.3% from 2024 to 2034.

Cycle Tourism Market Key Takeaways

• Europe led the global market with the highest market share of 40% in 2023.
• By tourist type, the group segment has held the largest market share in 2023.
• By age group, the 31 to 50 years segment captured the biggest revenue share in 2023.
• By sales channel, the company website segment registered the maximum market share in 2023.

Europe Cycle Tourism Market Size and Growth 2024 to 2034

The Europe cycle tourism market size was estimated at USD 51.06 billion in 2023 and is predicted to be worth around USD 135.82 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2024 to 2034.

Europe was the dominant cycle tourism market in 2023. Europe is considered to be a key source market for the cycle tourism. European countries like Germany, Netherlands, and Denmark are the major countries popular for cycling. The availability of safe cycling routes, developed cycling infrastructure, good accommodation facilities for cyclists, and knowledgeable guides are the major factors that has driven the cycle tourism market in Europe. The growing popularity and rising number of cycle tourism participants in Europe is further expected to drive the market growth in the forthcoming future.

The e-bikes are trending in Europe. According to the CBI.eu, the sales of e-bikes is rapidly growing in Europe owing to the growing geriatric population. The sales of e-bikes is highest in Germany followed by the Netherlands and Belgium. The suitability of the e-bikes for holidays is expected to boost the cycle tourism in Europe in the foreseeable future. The e-bikes helps the tourists to easily cover long distances per day and the uphill route sections becomes easily accessible. Therefore, the e-bikes are expected to boost the accessibility of more destinations, which will positively impact the participation rate of the population in cycling in Europe.

Market Overview 

The cycle tourism market deals with types of tourism where the primary use of the trip or vacation is cycling, either off-road or on-road, to explore cultures, landscapes, and destinations. Cycle tourism can be self-organized or guided by tour operators and encompasses everything from short-day excursions to longer multi-day trips. The increasing government initiatives to develop international and domestic tourism and the growing penetration of adventure sports and adventure camping contribute to the market growth.

Additionally, a significant increase in the number of cycling participants traveling a long distance, increasing demand for e-bikes, increasing emphasis on health and wellness, growing preference for eco-friendly and sustainable travel practices, and the rise of experiential and adventure tourism are further expected to drive the growth of the cycle tourism market during the forecast period.  

Cycle Tourism Market Growth Factors

The tourism activities for the purpose of leisure and pleasure and that incorporates cycle or bicycle is known as the cycle tourism. The bicycles are an integral part of the cycle tourism that offers a good travel experience to the cycle tourists. The soft cycling enables the tourists to enjoy the beautiful sceneries while the hardcore cycling offers physical fitness to the tourists. The growing focus of the government towards the development of cycle tourism is resulting in the development of the cycling infrastructure, which fuels the growth of the cycle tourism. The cycle tourism helps the small businesses in the rural areas to grow. The rising initiatives of the government to support the local businesses in the rural areas is compelling the government to boost the development of cycle tourism. The rising preferences of the tourists to indulge in the recreational, sports, adventure, and leisure activities are the major drivers of the cycle tourism. According to the cyclinguk.org, around 10% of the adults in UK participate in recreational cycling regularly. The growing participation of the population in the cycling activities is expected to foster the growth of the cycle tourism market.

The positive economic impact of the cycle tourism is encouraging the government to invest in the development of the cycle tourism friendly infrastructure. In Scotland, the cycle tourism contributes around US$ 131.8 million to US$ 268.7 million to the GDP annually. The cycle tourists spends heavily in the hotel stays, pubs, and cafes, which boosts the economic growth. Moreover, the health benefits associated with the cycle tourism and rising awareness regarding the cycle tourism among the population is expected to drive the growth of the cycle tourism market in the upcoming years. The rapidly growing health and wellness tourism across the globe is significantly impacting the growth of the global cycle tourism market.

Market Scope

Market Dynamics 

Driver 

Rising eco-friendly and sustainable travel 

The growing preference for eco-friendly and sustainable travel practices drives market growth. Cycling is environmentally beneficial, aligning with the preferences of eco-conscious travelers and reducing carbon footprints. In addition to this, the increasing emphasis on wellness and health is a major factor boosting the market. Cycling aligns with active lifestyles and attracts individuals seeking outdoor recreation, stress relief, and fitness. The expansion of the cycle touring culture is further likely to fuel the market.

• In March 2022, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) collaborated with Cycling Yogis, a Chennai-based cycling group, and launched a series of heritage cycling tours.

Restrain

Safety concerns and infrastructure limitations 

Rising safety concerns, such as injuries and accidents during cycle tours, may discourage potential cyclists, hampering the market. Additionally, poorly maintained and insufficient infrastructure, such as a lack of road safety and dedicated bike lanes, may create a challenge. This, in turn, hinders the development of cycling-friendly destinations and discourages cyclists, which is expected to restrain the growth of the cycle tourism market. 

Opportunity

Rising technological advancements and digital innovation  

The opportunity lies in leveraging technology integration and digital innovation. Cycle tourism can benefit from online communities, virtual experiences, and advanced navigation apps to enhance engagement, connectivity, and trip planning. The rising innovation in digital technology helps create a more tech-savvy and immersive experience for cyclists. Furthermore, collaborations with food festivals and local businesses, along with cultural immersion and cycling routes, can improve the overall appeal of cycling tours and provide travelers with a holistic experience, thereby propelling the growth of the cycle tourism market in the coming years. 

• In January 2024, Kooth Digital Health and California launched soluna California cycle tour, a 1,000-mile journey, to spread mental health awareness among youth.

Tourist Type Insights

The group segment accounted for the largest market share in 2023. The growing preference for young adults to engage in adventure activities in groups is expected to foster the growth of the group cycle tourism segment. A group of friends typically undertakes tourism activities to enjoy the scenic beauty of the destinations at a low cost. The demand for cycling tourism has grown significantly among the traveler group. In addition to this, these groups spend heavily on recreational activities during travel, which further contributes to the economy.

The couple segment is anticipated to expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period. Couples increasingly prefer cycle tourism as it is considered a good form of exercise. Cycling allows couples to enjoy the scenic beauty of destinations together. Moreover, young couples engage more in cycling as part of their adventure tourism. 

Age Group Insights

Based on the age group, the 31 to 50 years segment dominated the market in 2023. The rising demand for the recreational and leisure activities among this age group has fostered the growth of this segment. Moreover, the adoption of cycling under the 31 to 50 years age group as a form of indulging into physical activities owing to the health benefits of cycling has boosted the demand for the cycle tourism across the globe.

Sales Channel Insights

The company website segment dominated the global cycle tourism market as people in the developed markets like Europe prefer to book and plan their trips directly through the company’s websites. The advertisements and longer engagements on the company’s websites has resulted in the increased revenue for the market players. The consumers’ preference to eliminate the middlemen in order to reduce the cost is the major factor that has propelled the growth of this segment.

Cycle Tourism Market Companies

• World Expeditions
• Spice Roads
• Explore!
• Exodus
• Intrepid
• G Adventures
• Himalayan Glacier Adventure and Travel Company
• Sarracini Travel
• Arbutus Routes
• Austin Adventures

Recent Developments 

• In August 2024, Scott Sports, an International bike producer, partnered with Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA) to introduce a bicycle racing team of three riders, who were selected on the basis of their performances in national events.
• In September 2023, Shangkai launched the first E-cycle circuit services in Khliehshnong Village, Sohra, in collaboration with Bhartiya Vikas Trust.  
• In July 2023, the district administration of Alipurduar launched bicycle tourism “Dooars Darshan,” at Buxa Tiger Reserve. 

Segments Covered in the Report

By Tourist Type

• Group
• Solo
• Family
• Couple

By Age Group

• 18 to 30 Years
• 31 to 50 Years
• Above 50 Years

By Sales Channel

• Company Website
• Travel Agents
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • U.K.
  • Germany
  • France
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
• Rest of the World