Cycle Tourism Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Groups/Friends, Couples, Family, Solo), By Booking Mode (Direct, Travel Agent, Marketplace Booking), By Age Group (18 to 30 Years, 31 to 50 Years, and More than 50 Years), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 131.03 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	9.08%
Fastest Growing Segment	Solo
Largest Market	Europe
Market Size (2031)	USD 220.72 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Cycle Tourism Market will grow from USD 131.03 Billion in 2025 to USD 220.72 Billion by 2031 at a 9.08% CAGR. Cycle tourism is defined as a travel segment where cycling serves as the primary activity or mode of transport for leisure, sport, or exploration purposes. The market is structurally supported by the rising global consumer prioritization of physical health and wellness, alongside significant governmental investments in sustainable mobility infrastructure to reduce carbon footprints. This robust demand is reflected in industry sentiment; according to the European Cyclists' Federation, in 2024, 88% of surveyed cycling tour operators anticipated equal or higher guest volumes compared to the previous year.

However, a significant challenge impeding broader market scalability is the disparity in infrastructure quality and safety standards across different regions. While mature markets benefit from interconnected route networks, many emerging destinations suffer from fragmented pathways and inadequate safety measures, which deters less experienced cyclists. This lack of standardized, secure cycling environments restricts the development of seamless cross-border itineraries and limits the industry's ability to fully capitalize on the mass-market interest in active travel.

Key Market Drivers

The proliferation of Electric Bicycles (E-bikes) is enhancing market accessibility by neutralizing physical limitations, thereby broadening the demographic appeal of cycle tourism to include older and less active travelers. This technological advancement allows operators to design itineraries with extended ranges and varied terrains, democratizing access to challenging destinations that were previously exclusive to athletic cyclists. As pedal-assist technology bridges the gap between varying fitness levels, it enables multi-generational travel groups, further expanding the addressable customer base. The rapid adoption of this technology is quantifiable; according to the ADFC (German Cyclists' Association), March 2024, in the 'Radreiseanalyse 2024', approximately 44.7% of cycle tourists utilized an e-bike during their trips, highlighting a major structural shift in equipment preference.

Concurrently, the expansion of dedicated cycling infrastructure and government support is driving market scalability by establishing the safe, interconnected networks required for mass-market adoption. Strategic public sector initiatives are increasingly prioritizing the development of traffic-free greenways and rail-trails to revitalize rural economies and facilitate sustainable, low-carbon mobility. This focus on network quality is yielding tangible improvements; according to Sustrans, November 2024, in the 'National Cycle Network Impact Report 2023/24', the organization completed 20 significant infrastructure projects in Scotland alone to upgrade path safety and accessibility. These physical enhancements directly support visitor growth; according to Eco-Counter, November 2024, cycling traffic on the EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast Route increased by 6% compared to the previous year, reflecting the positive impact of improved route conditions on participation.

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Key Market Challenges

The challenging factor hindering the Global Cycle Tourism Market is the disparity in infrastructure quality and safety standards across different regions. This inconsistency creates a fragmented travel experience that directly impedes the industry's transition from a niche activity to a mass-market tourism product. While experienced cyclists may navigate broken pathways, the broader leisure market demands seamless, protected routes. When destinations fail to provide standardized safety measures, potential tourists perceive the activity as too risky, causing operators to lose access to the lucrative family and casual travel segments.

This lack of connectivity limits the creation of high-value, multi-destination itineraries that drive industry revenue. According to the EuroVelo Route Development Status Report, in 2024, 33% of the designated European long-distance cycle network still required further development to meet essential quality and safety criteria. This significant infrastructure gap forces tour operators to fragment their route offerings, effectively making seamless cross-border travel impossible in many areas. Consequently, the market cannot fully monetize the growing consumer interest in active travel, as the physical environment in many emerging regions remains incompatible with the safety expectations of mainstream tourists.

Key Market Trends

The mainstreaming of gravel and mixed-terrain adventure tours is fundamentally altering market dynamics as travelers increasingly prioritize remote, low-traffic environments over traditional paved routes. This shift compels operators to design itineraries that blend unpaved paths with immersive nature experiences, catering to a demographic seeking exploration rather than pure athletic performance. The structural transition toward such active, experience-based travel is expanding the industry's reach. According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, September 2025, in the '2025 Adventure Travel Market Sizing Report', the core adventure-first traveler base has risen from 30% to 40% of all international travelers, underscoring the growing commercial viability of off-road and mixed-surface tourism products.

Simultaneously, the expansion of women-centric and solo-traveler cycling groups is driving a strategic reorientation in tour operations toward inclusivity, safety, and community building. Tour providers are increasingly curating women-only departures and solo-friendly packages that mitigate safety concerns and foster supportive social environments, effectively unlocking a high-growth segment previously marginalized by male-dominated marketing. This focus on gender-inclusive engagement is generating significant participation increases. According to Strava, December 2024, in the 'Year In Sport Trend Report 2024', the number of female cyclists on the platform grew by 11%, a rate that significantly outpaced the broader user base and highlights the rising influence of female cyclists on market demand.

Segmental Insights

The Solo segment is currently recognized as the fastest-growing category within the Global Cycle Tourism Market. This expansion is primarily driven by a shifting traveler preference toward independence and the flexibility to create customized itineraries without group constraints. Furthermore, advancements in digital navigation and safety infrastructure have significantly reduced logistical barriers for individual cyclists. The European Cyclists' Federation has emphasized the role of accessible route networks in facilitating this independent travel trend. Consequently, as individuals increasingly prioritize personal wellness and self-paced exploration, the demand for solo cycling experiences continues to rise globally.

Regional Insights

Europe holds a commanding position in the global cycle tourism market, primarily due to its extensive and cohesive infrastructure. The region benefits significantly from the EuroVelo network, an initiative coordinated by the European Cyclists' Federation that establishes high-quality, long-distance cycling routes across national borders. Additionally, strong government support promotes sustainable travel policies, ensuring that cycling is well-integrated with public transportation and local accommodation services. This structured approach, combined with a mature cultural preference for active holidays in countries such as Germany and France, secures Europe’s status as the leading market for cycle tourism.

Recent Developments

• In October 2025, Intrepid Travel unveiled a significant expansion of its active travel offerings by introducing 28 new itineraries for the 2026 season. This product launch included a variety of multi-active adventures and specifically featured new cycling trips in regions such as Europe and Central America. The company designed these tours to meet the growing demand for nature-based and sustainable travel experiences, incorporating activities like hiking and rafting alongside cycling. The new packages were developed to provide small-group experiences that balance physical activity with cultural immersion in emerging destinations.
• In September 2024, Backroads, a leader in active travel, expanded its product portfolio by launching "Unplugged Bike Tours," a new collection of trips designed exclusively for acoustic, non-electric cycling. This product line was introduced to cater to cyclists seeking a traditional, pedal-powered experience without the presence of e-bikes, which had become increasingly prevalent in group tours. The new itineraries were rolled out across popular destinations in Europe, North America, and Asia, distinguishing themselves by offering a specific travel style for riders who prefer the physical challenge and nostalgia of conventional biking.
• In April 2024, Bosch eBike Systems extended its engagement in the cycle tourism sector by renewing its partnership with the TweedLove bike festival in the United Kingdom. As part of this collaboration, the company committed to serving as the exclusive e-bike systems partner for the "Electric Weekend," an event tailored specifically for electric mountain bike riders. The agreement involved providing technical support, course assistance, and on-site amenities for participants. This initiative highlighted the manufacturer's strategy to support experiential cycling events and promote the use of electric bikes in adventure tourism.
• In March 2024, Thomson Bike Tours, a premium operator known for its Tour de France packages, announced a series of strategic collaborations with several major industry brands. The company formed partnerships with Specialized Bicycles to provide high-performance bikes for its guests and Santini to supply professional-grade cycling apparel. Additionally, the operator teamed up with RidewithGPS to enhance navigation capabilities and Skratch Labs to offer nutritional support during tours. These alliances were established to elevate the guest experience by integrating top-tier equipment and technology into their global cycling itineraries.

Key Market Players

• SpiceRoads Cycling
• World Expeditions Travel Group Pty Ltd
• Travel + Leisure Co.
• Exodus Travels Limited
• Intrepid Group Pty Limited
• G Adventures Inc.
• Himalayan Glacier Adventures, LLC
• OST.travel Inc.
• Roswell Park Alliance Foundation
• Active Adventures Limited Partnership

By Type	By Booking Mode	By Age Group	By Region
Groups/Friends Couples Family Solo	Direct Travel Agent Marketplace Booking	18 to 30 Years 31 to 50 Years More than 50 Years	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Cycle Tourism Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Cycle Tourism Market, By Type:

• Groups/Friends
• Couples
• Family
• Solo

• Cycle Tourism Market, By Booking Mode:

• Direct
• Travel Agent
• Marketplace Booking

• Cycle Tourism Market, By Age Group:

• 18 to 30 Years
• 31 to 50 Years
• More than 50 Years

• Cycle Tourism Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE