PADUA – The Cycling Tourism Fair has moved from Bologna to Padua . Larger spaces for an ever-expanding format. We witnessed a large number of talks spread across the three stages conceived by the Bikenomist organizers and spread across the three days of the event, which concluded yesterday. Many stands and visitors arrived (some even on bikes, thanks to the dedicated parking lot set up next to the pavilions) to plan their next cycling vacation: in short, the movement is now a welcome reality.
Moreover, cycle tourism in Italy continues to grow and become one of the most dynamic segments of the entire tourism sector. This is confirmed by the "Travelling by Bike 2026" report , produced by Isnart-Unioncamere in collaboration with Legambiente and presented at the Cycle Tourism Fair, which provides an updated and significant snapshot of the phenomenon.
49 million admissions
In 2025, cycling tourism numbers reached nearly 49 million , confirming the strength of a consolidated trend. This figure is accompanied by an overall economic impact of 6,4 billion euros , a figure that highlights the increasingly important role of cycling as a lever for regional development.
Tourism is no longer just about sports, but a multifaceted experience that encompasses multiple areas. The report highlights how one in two cycle tourists combines pedaling with cultural and food and wine exploration , a sign of a demand for comprehensive and integrated experiences. Cycling thus becomes a true enabler of other forms of tourism, capable of enhancing local heritage and traditions.
Gender equality achieved
Interesting changes are emerging in terms of traveler profiles. The female component has grown significantly, reaching 47,1% of the total , compared to 29,7% the previous year. This figure is also highlighted by Loretta Credaro, president of ISNART.
"I'm delighted to see how demand for cycle tourism is increasingly female," she hopes. This trend will also be reflected in the supply side, creating many new opportunities for self-employment, including for women, in destinations large and small across our country.
Alongside this, there's been a sharp increase in the presence of young people. Gen Z cycle tourists represent 17,3% , almost double the 9,3% in 2024. They're an active and curious audience, who associate cycling with a variety of experiences: visits to historic centers, excursions into natural environments, and moments dedicated to local cuisine.
Daily expenses are growing
The ways in which they choose and share their experiences also reflect this evolution. Sixty percent of cycle tourists use the web to organize their trip , searching for information on itineraries and offers, while about half then share their experience on social media, contributing to the spread of the phenomenon.
From an economic standpoint, spending power is also growing. Cycle tourists spend an average of 69 euros per day on accommodation and 91 euros on other goods and services (in 2024, they were 65 and 70 euros, respectively). Added to this are 22 euros per day on food and about 10 euros on typical local products , as well as a share of about 17 euros dedicated to wellness and spa services . These figures confirm a widespread and multifaceted impact on the local economy.
Rental boom
The report also highlights the bicycle rental sector, considered a key indicator of the sector's health. Despite a stable number of companies, there has been a 47% increase in service points compared to 2019 , a sign of an increasingly widespread and organized offering across the country. This dynamic responds to a constantly growing and increasingly demanding demand.
"This year, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the bike rental sector," emphasizes Sebastiano Venneri of Legambiente, "which is a further indicator of the health of cycle tourism. We selected and featured ten successful experiences in the Report, demonstrating how cycle tourism generates a healthy distributed economy and significant economic benefits for the local area. The increase in head offices compared to rentals confirms a trend we've called the 'Pom-Pom effect' because cycle tourism leaves a significant economic trail in the local area."
A national policy is needed
This concept was also reiterated by Pinar Pinzuti, director of the Cycle Tourism Fair, who spoke of the "growing importance of this tourism segment" and the need for dedicated policies to make it even more competitive. She also stated: "The 265 exhibitors attending the fifth edition of the Cycle Tourism Fair (+63% compared to 2025) actually highlight the growth of a movement that deserves a dedicated national policy, to become even more competitive on foreign markets as well."
The data from the “Travelling with the Bike 2026” Report therefore provide a clear picture: cycle tourism is no longer a niche, but a structural component of Italian tourism. A sector capable of generating economic value, promoting lesser-known territories and intercepting new types of travellers, contributing to the development of a more sustainable and widespread tourism model.
Report "Traveling by Bike 2026" – full version
Cycling Tourism Fair
