Can cycling tourism be a solution to climate-induced pressure on Tourism, shaping preferences and visitor patterns?
Italian tourism, one of the country’s economic pillars, is increasingly under pressure due to climate change, which is altering visitor preferences and patterns while straining infrastructures. Recent studies by ENIT, such as “Climate Change: New Choices for Tourists and Tourism Operators” (2024), highlight how extreme events – heavy rainstorms, droughts, and floods – are already undermining the sector’s stability, forcing operators to reconsider their offerings.
Cycling Tourism as a response to climate challenges
Among emerging strategies for more resilient and sustainable tourism, cycling tourism stands out as a significant opportunity. This travel approach relies on the bicycle, an eco-friendly and restorative mode of transportation, allowing travelers to explore less-visited areas, promoting a stronger connection to local economies, and achieving a reduced carbon footprint.
Integrating cycling tourism into tourism strategies could help distribute tourist flows beyond peak seasons, extending the appeal of many destinations into milder months. This shift can alleviate overcrowding risks and support better resource management. Additionally, cycling tourism is particularly well-suited to rural and natural destinations, often more vulnerable to extreme climate impacts
Seasonal diversification and regeneration through Cycling Tourism
Proposals for seasonal diversification and tourism regeneration emphasize how flexible services and cycling routes could become central to climate-sensitive tourism. Promoting cycling tourism not only encourages the discovery of places in less crowded periods but also fosters respect for residents and the environment, encouraging more conscientious and respectful behavior.
Supporting this approach, the Tourism Climate Index (TCI) has proven to be a useful tool for predicting how climate changes will affect tourism potential across seasons. For instance, it is expected that Italian summers will shift their optimal temperatures to shoulder months like May, June, and September, allowing beach destinations to attract tourists outside the traditionally hotter months of July and August.
Cycling Tourism and integrated transport for sustainable mobility
A key factor for the success of cycling tourism is its integration with public transport. This combination can allow tourists to easily mix traditional modes of transport with cycling, reaching even the most remote areas while reducing the sector’s overall emissions. The integration of cycling tourism and public transportation represents a step forward toward a more sustainable form of travel, aligning with the principles of regenerative tourism.
Toward Sustainable Tourism Governance
Despite the potential of cycling tourism, Italy still lacks centralized governance to support this sector’s national expansion. A more structured coordination would allow the integration of cycling tourism into tourism development strategies, promoting it as a tool for regional regeneration and involving both public and private stakeholders.
Engaging Tourism Operators
It is crucial to further involve tourism operators in adaptation strategies for climate challenges, as they are on the front lines in dealing with the direct impacts of extreme events and unpredictable weather conditions.
Professionals managing accommodations and hospitality are often forced to find quick solutions to ensure visitor safety, maintain service quality, and preserve the attractiveness of destinations.
Greater engagement would enable operators to contribute their expertise to climate adaptation planning and policies that are effective and tailored to each area, creating more timely responses to prevent long-term damage.
Moreover, collaboration with public entities would allow the implementation of supportive measures and investments that reinforce infrastructure and optimize resources for sustainable and resilient tourism management.
Conclusion
Cycling tourism emerges as a vital asset for a more resilient and environmentally respectful Italian tourism industry, capable of adapting to climate change. With a shared, targeted strategy, this segment could become a cornerstone for the sustainable development of national tourism, helping to protect natural and cultural heritage while bringing economic benefits to local communities.
Further insights into ENIT’s research can be found here: Climate Adaptation Priorities for Italian Tourism
