BSpoke // Cycling Trends Report 2020 - BSpoke Tours · New E-bike Tours Due to popular demand (40% increase in e-bikes YOY*) we have expanded our range of e-bike holidays in the Loire,

BSpoke // Cycling Trends Report 2020

Ten What's NewT R E N D I N G C YC L E D E S T I N AT I O N SF E AT U R I N G S U S TA I N A B L E TO U R I S M// //

020 7471 7750 | WWW.BSPOKETOURS.COM

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We've been busy putting together this handy report to make sure travellers are up to date with the latest trends and insights into the world of cycle tourism. From our 10 trending cycling destinations and exciting new tours to tips on how best to travel sustainably.

As a team of passionate cyclists, we have been working hard to curate the most iconic cycling tours across Europe. We’ve seen a significant

increase in e-bike usage with 40% more cyclists opting for an extra boost compared to the previous year*. Due to this high demand we have launched four new e-bike tours, which we are excited for travellers to experience.

Cycling short breaks are also on the rise with a 45% increase in 5 night or shorter durations amongst our cyclists*.

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental and social impact of their holidays. Over 30% of our travellers choose the greener option of travelling to their destination by train. Our Provence, Loire and Bordeaux tours can all be reached easily by rail. So, with cycling being one of the most environmentally friendly holidays you can consider, we can only expect an already flourishing marketplace to continue to grow.

As stated in the recent ABTA (the Association for British Travel Agents) report; we know that travellers are looking for tailor-made holidays. Here at BSpoke we truly can tailor-make an itinerary for the client and make sure they get the most out of a destination.

Take a look as we share first-hand experiences of our 10 trending destinations, selected for their culture, landscapes and spectacular cycling. If you would like to chat through this report or find out more about our holidays, please feel free to give me a call on 0207 471 7750.

HARVEY DOWNARD | HEAD OF CYCLING *Based on holidays booked from January-December 2019 compared to January-December 2018

New&Exciting

CYCLING TRENDS REPORT 2020

cycling holiday inspiration

10 trending cycling destinations 4

What’s new for 2020 5

D E S T I N AT I O N S

Provence // France 6

Loire // France 6

Bordeaux // France 7

Tuscany & Umbria // Italy 7

NEW Asturias // Spain 8

Danube // Austria 8

Alentejo // Portugal 9

South Tyrol // Italy 9

Montenegro // Montenegro 10

Saxony // Germany 10

Travelling Responsibly 11

World Bicycle Relief 11

The BSpoke Difference 12


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Contents

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Ten T R E N D I N G C YC L E D E S T I N AT I O N S F O R 2 0 2 0

PROVENCE, FRANCE

ASTURIAS, SPAIN

SOUTH TYROL, ITALY

DANUBE, AUSTRIA

ALENTEJO, PORTUGAL

SAXONY, GERMANY

LOIRE, FRANCE

TUSCANY & UMBRIA, ITALY

BORDEAUX, FRANCE

MONTENEGRON E W

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What'sF O R 2 0 2 0

*Based on holidays booked from January-December 2019 compared to January-December 2018

New

NORTE REGION, PORTUGAL

15 New Tours15 brand new tours for 2020 including our single centre tour in Portugal’s less-discovered Norte Region. Based at the luxurious FeelViana Hotel, visitors can spend their time exploring the surrounding area by bike, trying a new water sport or joining a yoga class. We have also launched spectacularly scenic tours in northern Spain’s Asturias and Basque regions, amongst others.

New Road Cycling Tours

An exciting new short break, the Mont Ventoux Challenge is based

at the luxurious Château de Mazan, where cyclists can experience the

iconic climb. Meanwhile, our Le Tour de la Provence includes the

stunning Gorges de la Nesque and ascents in the Alpilles mountains.

These fit in nicely with our road cycling tours in Portugal, Spain,

Italy and the UK.

NEW BSpoke Destination: AsturiasUnknown by many, this northern region in Spain steals all the charm of a traditional coastal region without the crowds. Dubbed as Green Spain, Asturias lives up to its billing as a spectacularly verdant stretch of Spain’s northern coastline.

New E-bike ToursDue to popular demand (40% increase in e-bikes YOY*) we have expanded our range of e-bike holidays in the Loire, Provence and Portugal to complement our existing Tuscany and Umbria tours. These power-assisted e-bikes allow cyclists to see more of the region, pedal for longer and ride further than you thought possible.



*Based on holidays booked from January-December 2019 compared to January-December 2018

Provence // FranceProvence is one of our most popular cycling destinations with the Côtes du Rhône wine region proving the most popular across our portfolio for 2019. It’s easy to see why; quiet roads weave through verdant vineyards, past fragrant lavender fields and into pretty villages. The region is well set up for cyclists, with an ever-increasing number of cycle paths making it an ideal place for a cycling holiday. The terrain in the region is varied and Provence is home to the famous Mont Ventoux climb. It’s not just a region for lycra clad types though. We’ve seen a significant increase in e-bike use amongst our leisurely cyclists, so this is a destination every cyclist can enjoy.

Loire // FranceThose looking for easy cycling should head to the Loire for 2020. One of our clients'

favourite cycling destinations, the terrain is predominantly flat, so the miles fly by on a bike and many interesting places can be experienced on each ride. There is no

shortage of things to see, with history and wine buffs keenly provided for. This is a region we highly recommend with easy cycling and quiet cycle paths, perfect for a

multi-generational family trip. For those new to cycling or looking to get back on the saddle, our short breaks are the perfect test ride. In fact, we've seen short breaks to

the region up 80% on the prior year.

30%

37%

80%

INCREASE IN BOOKINGS TO THE LOIRE YOY*

INCREASE IN USE OF E-BIKES YOY*

INCREASE IN SHORT BREAKS TO THE LOIRE YOY*

9%

41%

5 2

Côtes du Rhône

INCREASE IN BOOKINGS TO PROVENCE YOY*

INCREASE IN USE OF E-BIKES YOY*

FOR 2020, INCLUDING E-BIKE SPECIFIC TOUR

FOR 2020, INCLUDING E-BIKE TOUR AND A 9-NIGHT ITINERARY

THIS WINE REGION PROVED THE MOST POPULAR OUT OF ALL OUR TOURS*

new itineraries

new itineraries

ECO-FRIENDLY TRAVEL CHOICES

AVAILABLE


AVAILABLE



*Based on holidays booked from January-December 2019 compared to January-December 2018. **Voted 6th most cycle-friendly city in the Copenhagenize Index.

Bordeaux // FranceFor history and wine lovers, Bordeaux is a must-visit cycling destination for 2020. One of our top three selling regions, it really has the best of everything: a vibrant city, wonderful vineyards and even oysters on the beach. This destination is committed to eco-friendly transport and unspoilt countryside. The city has been voted the 6th most cycle-friendly city in the world and has over 400km of cycling paths. There is much to learn about here, with its rich culture and history as well as renowned wine and dishes. Bordeaux has not one but five wine trails. With 65 appellations and 7,000 châteaux, it’s no wonder more and more clients are keen to explore this sought-after destination by bike.

Tuscany & Umbria // Italy92% of Tuscany’s terrain is rolling hills, which means this destination is our most popular for e-bikes. If you’ve never ridden an e-bike before, be ready for a lot of fun. You’ll ride

further and faster than you thought possible with less effort. Although don’t expect a completely free ride – the motor engages and provides extra power once you start

pedalling. We use Raleigh Captus e-bikes, with Lapierre e-road bikes on offer for those looking for a bit more speed. Due to the huge demand, we’ve added 2 new e-bike

tours for 2020, enabling travellers to explore this iconic destination at their own pace.

136%INCREASE IN BOOKINGS TO TUSCANY & UMBRIA YOY*

29%

400km+

INCREASE IN BOOKINGS TO BORDEAUX YOY*

OF CYCLING PATHS IN THE CITY OF BORDEAUX

BORDEAUX CITY VOTED THE 6TH MOST CYCLE-FRIENDLY CITY IN THE WORLD FOR 2019**

100%

OF OUR GUESTS USE E-BIKES IN THIS DESTINATION


AVAILABLE


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*As stated by the Asturias Tourist Office

Asturias // Spain Danube // AustriaExperience something different for 2020 with a Bike & Boat trip along the Danube. With almost

3000km of routes passing through ten countries, the Danube cycle path is one of the most impressive pieces of bike-friendly infrastructure in the world. Most of the route takes you on traffic-free cycle paths and navigation couldn’t be easier, so you can be assured of a relaxing

week of pedalling at your own pace. Our self-guided tour starts in Vienna (named one of ABTA’s top destinations to watch in 2020) and ends in Budapest. Our Bike & Boat tours on the Danube

have proved the most popular, with 63% of our clients choosing to experience the destination in this way. To help with the high demand, we’ve launched a new Bike & Boat tour for 2020.

30%

63%

INCREASE IN BIKE & BOAT CAPACITY WITH NEW TOUR

OF OUR CLIENTS CHOOSE TO EXPERIENCE THE DANUBE ON OUR BIKE & BOAT TOURS

Cyclists looking for an adventure in an authentic corner of Spain should place Asturias at the top of their bucket list. With over 300km of pristine coastline and 220 sandy beaches, it’s set to become our premier coastal destination. For the cyclist, there is something to suit everyone, from riding the Camino del Norte along the coast, to tackling some of the rugged terrain of the Picos de Europa, whose highest peak stands at 2400m above sea level. Asturias is a new region for us in 2020 and we're excited to share it with you.

N E W F O R

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MORE THAN ONE THIRD OF ASTURIAS IS ENVIRONMENTALLY PROTECTED WITH NATURE RESERVES AND PROTECTED LANDSCAPES AMONGST A FEW*

We truly believe Asturias is Spain’s

best kept secret! Green countryside and dramatic coastline make for extremely scenic cycling. With its UNESCO nature reserves and its abundance of and passion for local produce, it is one of our favourite eco-friendly cycling destinations.

Along the DanubeTHIS TOUR HAS BEEN OUR BEST-SELLING BIKE & BOAT TOUR FOR EACH OF THE LAST 3 YEARS



Alentejo// Portugal South Tyrol // ItalyWith dramatic scenery and luscious green valleys surrounded by high Alpine peaks,

South Tyrol is high on the list of places to cycle in 2020. Each major valley in the region sees at least one cycle route running through it, with countless mountain

passes branching off and up into the hills at regular intervals. The routes converge in the Adige Valley, where they join one of the world’s best-developed cycle paths, linking charming towns like Bolzano, Trento, Riva del Garda and Verona. If cyclists

would like to tackle some more challenging terrain, they could try some of the well-known climbs of the Giro d’Italia.

600km+OF CYCLE PATHS CRISS-CROSS THE REGION

Spanning 2/5ths of the length of Portugal, the Alentejo (literally translating to the province across the Tejo river) is a rustic, traditional and beautiful destination. We’re entering our 3rd season of selling this tour that covers over 265km (165mi) of quiet rural roads on gently undulating terrain, including many sections of the excellent Rota Vicentina cycle route, passing through the famous cork trees and vineyards of this part of the world. The population density of the Alentejo is only 23 people per square kilometre, compared to Portugal’s average of 111, which gives the countryside a remarkable sense of peace and seclusion, with the comfort of knowing that you’re never more than a few kilometres from a sleepy village store selling fresh pasteis de nata.

One of Portugal’s main draws has

to be the weather. It is an ideal year-round cycling destination, perfect for some winter sun. Plus, it doesn’t get too hot in the summer thanks to the breeze coming off the Atlantic coast.

OVER 1000KM OF CYCLE ROUTES ON THE ROTA VICENTINA

THE REGION HAS BEEN AWARDED A STAGGERING 26 MICHELIN STARS FOR 19 RESTAURANTS



*Based on the first five months of 2019, the number of tourist arrivals increased by 30.3 percent compared to the same period of 2018. As referenced in Trading Economics.

MontenegroMontenegro should be firmly on your radar for 2020. This off-the-beaten-path destination recorded its highest number of tourists in the country’s history in 2019, with visitors up approximately 30% compared to 2018*. With the addition of new direct flight routes from UK airports to both Tivat and Podgorica, we expect this trend to continue into 2020 and beyond. We offer an excellent guided group trip to the country, covering 360km of the region's stunning coastline over 6 days of cycling. The maximum group size is 16 and all departures include guided cycling with a support vehicle.

Saxony // GermanyA hidden gem to discover in 2020. Germany is something of a spiritual home for cycle touring

and the Elbe river cycle path is the country’s most popular long-distance route, covering 1300km in total. We offer self-guided tours through the scenic region of Saxony, with some sections

crossing into Czechia to Prague, for a total distance of 450km of leisurely cycling. And it really is leisurely, with most of the route being traffic-free asphalt paths. Couple this with the south

to north direction of our tours, which means the route is ever so slightly downhill and puts the prevailing winds behind you, and you have a perfect destination for first time cyclists and

families with younger children.

The Elbe

1300km

80%

IS GERMANY’S THIRD LONGEST RIVER

IS THE LENGTH OF THE CYCLE PATH

OF TRAFFIC-FREE CYCLE PATHS ON OUR ROUTES

1 new itinerary for 2020THE ELBE FROM DRESDEN TO DESSAU CYCLING TOUR

new itinerary

With the addition of new direct flight

routes from UK airports to both Tivat and Podgorica, we expect this to be an emerging cycling destination for 2020. The coastline is stunning, with plenty of secret coves and bays to cool off in the Adriatic – and the best bit is that they are virtually deserted!

JET2 FROM LONDON STANSTED AND MANCHESTER TO TIVOTBRITISH AIRWAYS FROM HEATHROW TO PODGORICA

New flight routes

Travelling Responsibly

At BSpoke, we recognise the importance of responsible travel and our obligation to the places and people we visit. We hope to make travel sustainable in the long-term by encouraging our staff and clients to support the environment as well as the local communities.

We have partnered with World Bicycle Relief to help provide bikes to farmers, entrepreneurs, healthcare workers and school children in developing countries. More than 400,000 specially designed and durable Buffalo bikes have already been delivered, which creates an efficient mode of transport in rural areas.

With every BSpoke booking, we will donate £5 per person to the charity on behalf of our clients.

To find out more about World Bicycle Relief, please visit www.bspoketours.com/world-bicycle-relief *Based on holidays booked from January-December 2019 compared to January-December 2018

To find out more about our responsible travel policy, please visit www.bspoketours.com/responsible-travel



31% Up to 90%INCREASE IN TRAIN TRAVEL TO OUR CYCLING DESTINATIONS ACCESSIBLE BY RAIL YOY*

LESS CARBON EMISSIONS WHEN YOU TRAVEL BY TRAIN INSTEAD OF PLANE, MAKING TRAIN TRAVEL THE MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY WAY TO TRAVEL


THE GLASSMILL | 1 BATTERSEA BRIDGE ROAD | LONDON | SW11 3BZ


Contact detailsThe BSpoke Difference

BSpoke Tours

WhiteTiger PR

HARVEY DOWNARD | HEAD OF CYCLING

(+44) 207 471 7785

[email protected]

SACHA PETERS | HEAD OF MARKETING

(+44) 207 471 7717

[email protected]

CASS HELSTRIP

(+44) 7968 255 464

[email protected]

HANNAH CHAPMAN

(+44) 7590 985 775

[email protected]

I N N OVAT I V E R O U T E S A N D S I M P L E N AV I G AT I O N

E X C E L L E N T C U S TO M E R S E R V I C E

TO P O F T H E R A N G E B I K E S A N D E - B I K E O P T I O N S

E C O - F R I E N D LY T R AV E L C H O I C E S AVA I L A B L E

U N R I VA L L E D O N - T H E - G R O U N D S U P P O R T

F U L L A B TA A N D ATO L P R OT E C T I O N

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Documents

BSpoke // Cycling Trends Report 2020 - BSpoke Tours · New E-bike Tours Due to popular demand (40% increase in e-bikes YOY*) we have expanded our range of e-bike holidays in the Loire,