Best practices in cycling tourism: insights from a comparative analysis of Mallorca and Romagna

This thesis explores the role of cycling tourism as a strategic tool to address seasonality in coastal destinations. Traditional seaside tourism in Mediterranean countries is highly concentrated in the summer months, leading to economic and environmental challenges during low seasons. Cycling tourism offers a sustainable opportunity to diversify tourism activities and extend the visitor season. Drawing on academic literature and best practice frameworks, the research adopts a comparative case study approach, analyzing Mallorca (Spain) as a well-established cycling destination and Romagna (Italy) as an emerging one. Using institutional websites, promotional materials, and tourism data, nine best practice indicators, derived from Mundet et al. (2022), were examined across both destinations. The analysis highlights Mallorca’s strong infrastructure, climate advantages, and event portfolio, which have consolidated its international reputation. Romagna, despite being at an earlier stage, demonstrates strategic innovation through targeted marketing, specialized services, and integration of cycling with cultural and gastronomic experiences. The study concludes that cycling tourism can play a significant role in mitigating seasonality by attracting different visitor segments in shoulder seasons, supporting local economies, and promoting sustainable tourism development. These findings offer valuable insights for coastal destinations seeking to diversify their tourism offer and enhance competitiveness.