Cycling holidays are currently enjoying a peak in popularity, no longer the domain of Lycra-clad elite athletes or serious daily riders. Today, it is a booming sector in travel – appealing to wellness seekers, culture lovers, and leisure adventurers.
For Australian travellers in particular, exploring the world on two wheels has never been more enticing, with a growing appetite for immersive, active getaways across Australia and New Zealand but also farther afield to Europe and the United States.
“I would say Australians are some of the most active travellers in the world,” said Tour de Vines CEO, Damian Cerini.
Recent numbers back it up. In 2024, there was a 51% increase in Australian travellers seeking active escapes, predominantly cycling, walking or hiking holidays, compared to the previous year, according to data from Tourism Research Australia.
What’s more, nearly 28% of Australians booking cycling holidays abroad say they rarely cycle at home, while 62% opt for leisurely-paced trips. These holidays are no longer restricted to elite riders – they’re for anyone craving movement, nature, and meaningful exploration.
Australian expat and co-founder of Italy-based A’qto Cycling, Nancy De Losa, told travelBulletin Australians have long been active travellers.
“In our experience, there are many active Australian travellers and since we began running our cycling tours 10 years ago, 80-90% of our client base has been Australian,” she said. “Our classic Cycling Tour Collection includes a dedicated riding program and an active non-riding-partner program, and each year, our guests comprise approximately 75% cyclists and 25% non-riding partners.”
With the company’s new category, Active Adventure Tours, launching for 2026, De Losa expects that mix to evolve even further.
“We anticipate that our guest mix will now also comprise a diverse range of active adventurers who want to explore Italy through a more diverse and immersive lens,” she explains.
“These small group tours blend cycling, hiking, sea kayaking and curated cultural experiences, and offer a carefully balanced mix of challenge, reward and cultural connection, with flexibility also built in.”
Cerini added: “It might surprise you that the majority of our business are domestic travellers on our domestic cycling tours, so that tells you how the Australian market is seeking active style travel, where they can engage more closely with their surrounds and the places they travel, get outdoors and have a travel experience at the same time.”
Best locations to hit the pedals
When it comes to cycling-friendly countries, De Losa pointed to Australia and its Kiwi neighbours as two leading candidates, but also can’t look past Europe for its glorious summertime riding conditions.
A number of other European countries cater well to cycling-inclined holidaymakers. While personal preferences and desired experience play a factor as they do in any holiday, the Netherlands is often regarded as the gold standard, with an extensive and well-maintained cycling infrastructure, dedicated bike highways, and a deeply ingrained cycling culture.
Denmark follows closely, particularly in cities like Copenhagen, where bikes often outnumber cars and sustainability is a key priority.
In France, regions like Provence and the Loire Valley offer scenic, bike-friendly routes that pair cultural charm with world-class cuisine, while Italy’s varied landscapes and growing network of supported cycling tours – especially in Tuscany and Puglia – make it a favourite among leisure cyclists.
Germany and Austria also stand out for their well-marked long-distance routes, such as the Danube Cycle Path.
“With the Tour de France on right now, and the bike-focused commuting and transport strategies of the major cities of Europe, it’s hard to go past some of those countries,” Cerini said.
“But in terms of cycling-inclined travellers, I would put Australia and New Zealand markets right up there. We love the outdoors, and with the advent of electric assist bikes, it has opened the option of a recreational cycling holiday to almost anyone.”
While Europe and Australia lead in established cycling holidays, the USA is also becoming a serious contender.
According to Fred Dixon, President and CEO of Brand USA, “The USA offers an incredibly diverse range of biking experiences – from thrilling mountain trails and scenic coastal routes to culinary tours and urban bike paths.”
Asia also offers some great cycling options, from exploring the coasts of Thailand on two wheels to riding through rice paddies and fishing villages in Vietnam, such as the well-known ‘Banana Circuit’ from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh.
Wheels for everyone
As cycling holidays broaden in scope and appeal, Cerini believes inclusivity and flexibility are key.
When asked if his tours are suitable for irregular riders, the response was a wholehearted “absolutely yes”.
“In fact, our tours are designed around this very audience. With the advent of electric assist bikes (or e-bikes), the idea of a cycling holiday has become a lot more accessible and would rival walking holidays in terms of accessibility,” he said.
De Losa’s tours are similarly versatile.
“Our cycling tours and new adventure tours all vary in their distances, elevations and level of ride difficulty, and cater to a diverse group of riders,” she said.
“While our cycling tours across Tuscany, Puglia, Piedmont, Sardinia, the Dolomites and Giro d’Italia are designed for experienced riders, guests also have the flexibility on these tours of riding some days and joining our active non-riding partner program on other days.”
A break from the bike
The rise in wellness tourism has been a driver for the development of De Losa’s 2026 Active Adventure Tours, where she now has immersive experiences designed for a broader range of active travellers.
Depending on where the tour is on any given day, off-bike experiences may include cycling, hiking, sea kayaking and curated cultural experiences.
“Strong riders can still enjoy 300-350km of cycling and 5,000-7,000m elevation, while others may mix it up with some rides, and some hikes and sea kayaking experiences by day, and also opt for artisan visits, cooking classes, or some time for spa and relaxation by night,” she said.
“Wellness is at the very core of the entire program of our adventure tours,” De Losa added.
“Complementing the core active program are optional experiences including morning yoga and ocean swims, and massage and relaxation in the late afternoons, together with a range of cultural experiences to connect guests closely with local people and authentic places.”
The appeal of cycling goes far beyond personal experience. Nationally, the Australian cycling sector – including e-bikes and e-scooters – supported more than 58,000 full-time jobs and contributed $16.9 billion in economic and social value in 2022, data from Tourism Research Australia shows. Cycle tourism alone pumped AU$1.9 billion into regional economies.
Globally, the bike tourism industry is estimated to be worth US$140 billion (A$214 billion).
In Australia, overnight bike tourism visitor expenditure includes AU$1.95 billion spent on domestic travel, and AU$432 million on travel within Queensland alone, the state’s Department of Transport and Main Roads shows.
Queensland’s economy benefits from AU$139 million from locals holidaying within the state, and AU$239 million from visitors, while Queenslanders also spend AU$252 million travelling interstate – a figure which suggests an opportunity for the state to narrow the gap.
Figures supplied by Outdoor Council of Australia CEO, Lori Modde, shows mountain biking is also a popular holiday pursuit, however there are calls for investment in the sector to fund needs such as trail maintenance, infrastructure and inclusivity gaps to capitalise on its true potential.
For today’s traveller though, it’s about connection, culture, wellness, and freedom.
As De Losa put it: “These small group tours blend challenge, reward and cultural connection, with flexibility also built in.”
And from Cerini’s perspective, the future of travel is active.
“Guests want to get outside…and a cycling holiday provides all that and more.”
