The Cycling and Hiking Tours Industry is projected to grow significantly, rising from an estimated USD 18.5 billion in 2025 to USD 45.2 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 11.8% over the forecast period.

MARKET SIZE AND SHARE

The global Cycling and Hiking Tours Market is expected to expand from USD 18.5 billion in 2025 to USD 45.2 billion by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of 11.8%. This growth trajectory will see the market valuation increase substantially, driven by rising consumer interest in experiential and wellness travel. Market share is expected to be concentrated among established tour operators and online travel platforms, though niche and sustainable brands are gaining traction and capturing a larger portion of the market.

Market share distribution is dynamic, with Europe historically holding the largest portion due to its well-developed cycling infrastructure and popular long-distance hiking trails. However, the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to witness the fastest growth rate, thereby increasing its overall market share. This shift reflects rising disposable incomes and growing adventure tourism in emerging economies, which will slightly alter the global share landscape by 2032, intensifying competition among key players.

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW AND STRATEGY

The cycling and hiking tours industry is a dynamic segment of the experiential travel market, characterized by a diverse range of operators from large international brands to small local specialists. It caters to a growing demographic seeking active, outdoor, and immersive vacation experiences that promote physical health and cultural connection. The industry's structure is evolving with digitalization, influencing how tours are marketed, booked, and delivered to a global clientele.

Key strategic focuses for market players include differentiation through unique, localized itineraries and a strong emphasis on sustainable and responsible tourism practices. Operators are investing in digital marketing, leveraging social media and partnerships with influencers to reach target audiences. Furthermore, strategies encompass forming alliances with accommodation providers and gear manufacturers to offer packaged deals, enhancing customer loyalty through superior service and personalized tour options in a competitive landscape.

REGIONAL TRENDS AND GROWTH

Regional trends show Europe dominating with its mature network of trails like the Camino de Santiago and EuroVelo routes, supported by strong government promotion. North America follows, driven by demand for national park adventures. The most significant growth, however, is emanating from the Asia-Pacific region, where countries like Japan, New Zealand, and Vietnam are rapidly developing their adventure tourism infrastructure to cater to both international visitors and a burgeoning domestic middle class.

Primary growth drivers include rising health consciousness, desire for unique experiences, and increased spending on travel post-pandemic. Key restraints involve seasonal fluctuations, infrastructure limitations in developing regions, and environmental concerns. Opportunities lie in leveraging technology for virtual tours and bookings, creating soft adventure options for older demographics, and developing carbon-neutral tours. Major challenges encompass managing overtourism in popular destinations, ensuring safety standards, and adapting to the impacts of climate change on natural trails.

CYCLING AND HIKING TOURS MARKET SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

BY TYPE:

The Cycling and Hiking Tours market is primarily segmented by type into cycling tours, hiking tours, and combination tours. Cycling tours dominate due to rising popularity among fitness enthusiasts, eco-conscious travelers, and adventure seekers. Key factors driving cycling tours include the growing urban cycling culture, increased awareness of sustainable travel, and availability of well-developed cycling infrastructure in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia-Pacific. Additionally, specialized cycling packages, such as mountain biking and long-distance road cycling tours, attract niche audiences, further strengthening market growth. Combination tours, integrating both cycling and hiking, are also gaining traction as they offer a comprehensive adventure experience for tourists seeking diverse physical activities within a single trip.

Hiking tours continue to grow due to the rising trend of wellness tourism and nature-based experiences. Dominant factors influencing this segment include the expanding network of trekking trails, national parks, and nature reserves globally. Increased consumer inclination towards mental health, stress relief, and immersive outdoor experiences drives the demand for hiking tours. Moreover, customized hiking itineraries, guided treks, and package tours catering to different difficulty levels encourage both amateur and experienced hikers to participate. Combination tours further capitalize on these trends by offering multi-activity experiences, enhancing market penetration in regions with diverse landscapes.

BY APPLICATION:

The market segmented by application includes adventure tourism, eco-tourism, wellness tourism, and cultural tourism. Adventure tourism represents a significant share, fueled by travelers seeking physically challenging and adrenaline-pumping activities. Dominant factors driving this segment include an increasing preference for outdoor recreational activities, government support for adventure sports infrastructure, and the rising number of organized events and cycling/hiking challenges. Eco-tourism also drives growth by appealing to environmentally conscious travelers. Factors such as growing awareness of sustainable travel practices, interest in wildlife conservation, and scenic natural landscapes contribute to the demand for eco-friendly tours.

Wellness tourism is another rapidly growing application, where hiking and cycling are promoted as physical and mental health-enhancing activities. Dominant factors include increasing stress levels in urban populations, rising disposable income for wellness experiences, and a shift towards preventive healthcare practices. Cultural tourism is gaining popularity, especially in regions like Europe and Asia, where travelers combine physical activities with local heritage exploration. The integration of historical trails, scenic rural villages, and local cultural experiences in cycling and hiking tours enhances the attractiveness of the market across diverse tourist demographics.

BY AGE GROUP:

The market segmentation by age group includes youth, adults, and seniors. Youth consumers, typically aged 18–30, form a dominant segment due to their high participation in adventure and fitness-oriented activities. Key factors include social media influence, trend-driven travel choices, affordability, and preference for group tours and community experiences. Youth travelers often engage in short-term, high-energy cycling and hiking tours, contributing to higher demand for specialized packages, festivals, and international trail events.

Adults, aged 31–50, constitute a substantial share due to their higher disposable income and interest in health, wellness, and experiential travel. Dominant factors influencing this group include preference for curated and premium travel experiences, family-oriented group tours, and multi-day cycling and hiking packages. Seniors aged 51 and above are increasingly participating in low-intensity hiking and cycling tours due to the focus on health and wellness, retirement leisure travel, and accessibility improvements in trail and tour infrastructure. Travel packages designed specifically for seniors further support market expansion in this segment.

BY PACKAGE DURATION:

Package duration segmentation includes short-term, medium-term, and long-term tours. Short-term packages, typically one to three days, dominate urban and domestic markets due to convenience, affordability, and weekend travel trends. Dominant factors driving short-term tours include proximity to major cities, increasing demand for micro-adventures, and rising preference for quick escapes among professionals. These tours often target youth and adult travelers seeking a mix of adventure and leisure within limited timeframes.

Medium-term packages, spanning four to seven days, attract both domestic and international travelers looking for immersive experiences. Key factors influencing growth include availability of multi-day trail networks, integration of accommodation and local experiences, and guided tour services that enhance safety and convenience. Long-term tours, lasting more than a week, are gaining traction among global adventure tourists seeking extended cycling or trekking journeys. Dominant factors include interest in destination exploration, physical fitness motivations, and curated itineraries offering cultural and scenic diversity.

BY GROUP SIZE:

Group size segmentation includes individual tours, small group tours, and large group tours. Individual tours are increasingly popular among solo travelers seeking flexible itineraries, personalized experiences, and offbeat destinations. Dominant factors include the rise of independent travel platforms, mobile booking applications, and a growing preference for solitary adventures among millennials and young adults.

Small group tours, typically consisting of 5–15 participants, dominate due to their balance of social interaction, safety, and guided support. Key factors include popularity of boutique adventure tours, personalized experiences, and easier logistics management. Large group tours, comprising more than 15 participants, are often organized for corporate events, festivals, or international cycling/hiking expeditions. Dominant factors include economies of scale, structured itineraries, and organized events that reduce costs and attract bulk participation.

BY BOOKING MODE:

Booking mode segmentation includes online and offline channels. Online booking dominates due to convenience, ease of comparison, flexible payment options, and real-time availability of packages. Dominant factors include the proliferation of travel aggregators, mobile apps, and digital marketing platforms targeting adventure tourists.

Offline booking still holds relevance in regions with limited internet penetration or among older travelers who prefer in-person interactions with travel agents. Key factors supporting offline growth include personalized tour planning, trust in established operators, and access to package customization through direct consultation. Hybrid approaches combining online research with offline bookings are emerging as a dominant trend in the market.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

• In January 2024: Backroads launched new exclusive hiking trips in the Dolomites and Iceland, responding to high demand for premium, small-group adventures in iconic European landscapes.
• In March 2024: REI Adventures significantly expanded its portfolio of domestic US cycling tours, focusing on national park routes to cater to a growing market for local and accessible outdoor vacations.
• In June 2024: DuVine Cycling Co. acquired by former CEO, returning to private ownership to refocus on its core luxury brand identity and curated, high-end itineraries without external pressures.
• In September 2024: Intrepid Travel announced a major partnership with the Adventure Travel Trade Association to develop and promote more sustainable and community-focused hiking tours globally.
• In November 2024: Exodus Travels unveiled a new digital platform integrating AI-powered personalization for tour recommendations, enhancing the customer booking journey for cycling and hiking adventures.
• In December 2024: G Adventures introduced new ""Jane Goodall Collection"" of wildlife-focused hiking tours, merging eco-tourism with conservation education to attract ethically-minded travelers.

KEY PLAYERS ANALYSIS

• Backroads
• REI Adventures
• Intrepid Travel
• Exodus Travels
• G Adventures
• Trek Travel
• DuVine Cycling Co.
• Butterfield & Robinson
• World Expeditions
• The Travel Corporation (TTC)
• Eurohike
• Macs Adventure
• UTracks
• Sherpa Expeditions
• Ciclismo Classico
• com
• Grown-up Travel
• Giro Cycling Tours
• Alpine Exploratory
• Saddle Skedaddle