Interest in cycle tourism is increasing across the country.

There is potential for increased revenue and employment across the country, shows the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth's investigation into tourism and recreational cycling in Sweden.

The investigation is part of the Government's national cycling strategy. The aim is to gain a more comprehensive overview of how cycle tourism and recreational cycling function today and how it can be developed.

Our mapping shows that there is a large number of cycle routes over 65 kilometres. The most routes are in southern and central Sweden, but the increasing interest in mountain biking also provides development opportunities for northern Sweden. In total, there are 82 tourism-oriented cycle routes, and a further 13 are planned and being investigated. Half of the routes are signposted; longer car-free routes are rare.

There are great opportunities for increased revenue and employment across the country with side effects in the form of improved public health and more sustainable domestic tourism. However, several shortcomings need to be addressed to better capitalise on this potential. Adapted processes for establishing cycle routes, linked to a long-term investment plan, are also needed.

Here is the investigation and more about our assignments within tourism and the visitor industry.