At ITB Berlin 2024, several Italian regions are promoting their cycling trails to the trade as the country increases investment in this sector. Back in 2022, as part of Italy’s National Plan of Recovery and Resilience, the country announced it would invest €400 million up until 2026 to construct an additional 1,235 km of cycling paths and another €200 million for 565 km of dedicated bicycle lanes in cities.
Hall 1.2 / Stands 107 – 107 A – 107 B – 107 C
The Marche Outdoor
The Marche region is emphasising sustainability, the outdoors and slow tourism at ITB Berlin 2024, and its panoramic cycle paths provide authentic experiences. The “Marche Outdoor” project is part of this concept with 24 cycling routes covering 2,000 km across 130 municipalities, from the sea to the mountains, passing through lakes, gorges, waterfalls, hermitages and caves.
The Marche Outdoor project aims at promoting sustainable local economy, immersing tourists in the beauty of the region for every type of cyclist. Bike support services are available including a dedicated GPS. Secondary roads are also promoted by a cycle tourism itinerary called “The path of the abbeys“, combining sport, nature and culture.
Emilia-Romagna: Cycling with the Tour de France and historic duchies in 2024
Recognised as a top cycling destination, Emilia-Romagna will also host for the first time in 2024 the Tour de France Grand Départ along the Wellness Valley and Sports Valley. Cyclists will pass through key destinations including Bologna, Rimini, Cesenatico, and Piacenza.
Emilia Romagna also boasts many different routes for travellers. The Sentiero dei Ducati (the Duchies Trail) is the latest addition to Emilia- Romagna’s network of ancient pilgrimage routes, covering historic regions once ruled by a Duke or Duchess. The 90-km trail for mountain bikers goes along spectacular corners of the northern Apennines, crossing vineyards, castles, ancient churches and forests.
Piemonte: All roads lead to art and nature
Authentic Piemonte is the perfect place for slow and sustainable tourism, including breathtaking alpine experiences on 20,000 km of cycling and trekking trails in 77 protected areas. Many pass through the city of Torino and UNESCO sites such as the 7 Sacred Mounts and the Vineyards Landscape of Langhe Roero Monferrato, the art cities of Biella, Novara, Vercelli and Cuneo as well as Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore with view of the scenic Borromean Islands.
The network of the Historic Mountain Roads has 16 itineraries suitable for all types of cyclists. Home of the Italian cycling, Piedmont will host in 2024 for the first time the Tour de France, through the provinces of Alessandria, Asti, Cuneo and Torino, with arrival of the Grande Boucle on July 1st.
Tuscany: A sustainable destination attentive to cyclists
Tuscany is presenting itself at ITB Berlin as a reference in sustainable tourism. It is the first region in Italy to have created the Atlas of Cycling Tourism Itineraries and the Atlas of Walking Paths, and it boasts over 6,500 accommodation facilities committed to making visitors’ stays more sustainable. Visitors have access to over 1,400 km of walking paths divided into 8 routes along ancient historical roads, merchant routes, religious paths, itineraries discovering unique artistic and architectural landmarks, UNESCO sites, religious testimonies, and natural parks. Cycling in Tuscany offers the opportunity to discover among others Grosseto, 2024 European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism.
© Mario Lorca
