The 6th National Report on Cycle Tourism in Italy, titled “Viaggiare con la bici 2026,” was officially unveiled at the Cycle Tourism Show in Padua. The findings, presented by Isnart and Legambiente in collaboration with Bikenomist, reveal an industry that is no longer just a niche but a powerful economic engine for the country.
49 Million Presences and a €6.4 Billion Impact
The report estimates that in 2025, Italy saw approximately 49 million cycle tourism presences, generating a staggering €6.4 billion in economic impact for host territories. Presented during the opening of the Cycle Tourism Show’s new Padua venue, the data confirms that the bicycle is a primary “activator” of local economies.
The New Profile: More Women, More Youth
The 2026 report highlights two major demographic shifts that are changing the face of the sport:
The “Pink” Growth: 1 in 2 cycle tourists is now a woman. Female participation surged by over 17 percentage points compared to 2024, reaching 47.1% of the total market.
The Gen Z Wave: Young travelers (Gen Z) now represent 17.3% of the market, nearly doubling from 9.3% in the previous year. This younger audience is active, curious, and heavily influenced by the web—6 out of 10 decide on their destination via the internet.
“The growth of the female segment is a clear sign that cycle tourism represents an opportunity for inclusion for every part of the population. A bike holiday is truly for everyone.” ,Pinar Pinzuti, Director of the Cycle Tourism Show.
A “Multi-Product” Experience
The modern cycle tourist isn’t just there to pedal. The report finds that 50% of cyclists combine their ride with:
- Culture: Visiting historic centers and artistic heritage.
- Taste: Spending an average of €22/day on local restaurants and €10/day on typical regional products.
- Wellness: An increasing interest in thermal baths and spa services (approx. €17/day).
- Overall spending is on the rise, with travelers spending an average of €69/day on accommodation and €91/day on local goods and services.
The Rental Boom: +47% Service Growth
One of the most significant indicators of the industry’s health is the professionalization of services. While the number of individual businesses has remained stable, the number of physical bike rental points (local units) increased by 47% between 2019 and 2025. This suggests that existing businesses are expanding their territorial reach to meet the growing demand.
Global Inspiration: Women in Cycling & Bike Wanderer
The report also looks beyond borders for best practices:
Inclusion: The European “Women in Cycling” network was highlighted as a model for making the industry more inclusive for women in leadership and tourism.
Education: Hungary’s “Bike Wanderer” project was praised for its traveling summer camps that teach Gen Z students about sustainability and the discovery of hidden rural areas.
Methodology
These insights are the result of 30,000 interviews with Italian and foreign tourists conducted by Isnart-Unioncamere, providing a robust and comprehensive view of the 2025 tourism season.
