As snow melts across the continent, revealing the intricate and extensive network of trails that invites exploration and rejuvenation, our thoughts turn to summer adventures. Where will your bike take you this summer? Will you meet new people, learn new things? Maybe even plan future adventures together with your new friends?
The newly formed Active Tourism Coalition spearheaded by ECF and of which IMBA Europe is a founding member, utilizes the community spirit of outdoor adventure to better represent our common goals and secure awareness and appreciation for how active tourism can contribute to a more sustainable Europe. Twenty civil society organizations call together with a common demand: for active tourism to be recognized by European tourism policymakers. The partners aim with their collective voice to influence the upcoming European Sustainable Tourism Strategy, which will be announced by the European Commission this spring. Active Tourism, including mountain biking, bikepacking and other forms of off-road cycling, is an active driver strengthening rural economies, addressing unbalanced tourism demand both geographically and seasonally, and contributes a healthy and outdoorsy sheen to Brand Europe.
Active Tourism is a strong global economic contributor as well, with outdoor recreation contributing $1.3 trillion annually to the United States economy. Bicycle tourism in Europe already in 2012 was worth an estimated €44 billion per year, on par with less sustainable alternatives like the cruise industry. In destinations like Trysil, Norway, where a planned and concerted investment in trails led to a tripling in summer guests and subsequent revenue, mountain biking creates new, year-round employment opportunities.
But the numbers are only one aspect of sustainable tourism: the experiences, the memories created, and the community built through opportunities to exchange and learn from each other are at least as valuable. Experience August’s total solar eclipse with like-minded enthusiasts from the trailside in MTB Kingdoms in the Spanish Pyrenees, hosts of the 2025 IMBA Europe summit. Enjoy legal wild camping with other bikepackers thanks to rights of public access in the Nordic countries. If you can’t get away yourself this summer, consider inviting in cycling tourists in search of shelter through a service like warmshowers.org and contribute to others’ memories of your country while learning something new about theirs’. The community we create together as cyclists exploring the world is what brings us together and makes us stronger, smarter and more resilient.
Do you have a great project, idea or initiative you’d like to share with the broader Active Tourism community? Two conferences this fall provide a great opportunity to tell your story: the EuroMeet conference organized by ENOS, in Sundsvall, Sweden will gather outdoor sports enthusiasts and promoters from across the continent September 8-10. Abstracts can be submitted by March 31. The EuroVelo conference in Utrecht, organized by ECF, is the place to discuss bicycle tourism in all its forms September 30-October 2. Submit your abstract by March 24.
But most importantly: get outside! Turn the pedals, enjoy the fresh air and the changing of the seasons, and build community with those you meet on your journey.
Written by Hans Stoops, IMBA Europe Advocacy Officer