Whilst memories of the 1973 austerity \u2013 in an Italy without petrol, where horses reappeared in the cities and everyone cycled \u2013 have begun to resurface in the minds of those who lived through those days, there are also those who, faced with airline announcements of fuel shortages, flight cancellations and ticket price hikes, are wondering whether or not it is wise to start planning their summer holidays. And if so, how.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well before the war between the United States and Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, there were already those who had chosen a cheaper (and more environmentally friendly) way to travel: by cycling. As tourists. In Italy, of course, where last year there were an estimated 49 million cycling tourists, generating an economic impact of over \u20ac6 billion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is the figure that emerges from the sixth edition of the \u2018Travelling by Bike 2026\u2019 report, produced by Isnart-Unioncamere for the Chambers of Commerce\u2019s Tourism Economy Observatory in collaboration with Legambiente. A form of tourism that prefers to spend its holidays on two wheels, along routes surrounded by greenery. But that\u2019s not all: one in two cycle tourists combines the experience with exploring our country\u2019s artistic and cultural heritage, alongside the culinary and wine specialities of our regions. This confirms \u2018that the bicycle is a major \u201ccatalyst\u201d for tourism which, as such, requires an integrated, multi-product offering\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The report reveals that cycle tourists are getting younger \u2013 with Gen Z\u2019s share rising from 9.3% in 2024 to 17.3% \u2013 whilst at the same time becoming increasingly popular among Boomers (14%, up from 8% in 2024). Women account for 47% (up 17 percentage points on the previous year) of users, who report having a medium-to-high income (76%) and, in 42% of cases, a university degree. 36% choose to travel with their partner and family, whilst 17% travel with friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When organising their holidays, the new cycling crowd relies mainly on the internet (6 out of 10), where they primarily seek information on routes and promotional offers. Their average daily expenditure per person on accommodation is around \u20ac69, plus \u20ac91 on other goods and services at their holiday destination. Their destinations are mainly visits to historic town centres, trips to the seaside and lakes, as well as food and wine tastings (with an average daily spend per person in restaurants of \u20ac22 and \u20ac10 on typical local products). Spa and wellness services are also on the rise. One in two cycle tourists shares their experience on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The report also analyses the Italian bike-hire market: the trend is towards a so-called \u2018multi-location\u2019 model, with companies expanding their network of service points (a 47% increase), thereby strengthening their offering and its geographical coverage to meet steadily growing demand.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"template":"","ct_blog_category":[],"class_list":["post-40379","cp_blog","type-cp_blog","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n