Eurobike Travel Talk to discuss pros and cons of e-Bike disruption in cycle tourism industry

Now in its 17th year, Eurobike’s annual exchange between the bicycle and tourism industry is this year set to flag just how much the electric bike has changed the fortunes of destinations across Europe.

“For bicycle tourism, the e-bike is a disruptive technology at every level. But it is disruptive in a positive sense: the support that the electric motor provides to the rider makes bike tourism accessible to new target groups. In addition, the e-bike is making regions relevant to bike tourism that bike vacationers had left by the wayside in the past,” says Ulrike Saade, Managing Director of Velokonzept Saade GmbH, which is once again organising the concept and content of the Eurobike Travel Talk this year.

Furthermore, the digitalisation of the bicycle is acting as a catalyst for yet more change. Set to speak on the topic, expert Dr. Axel Jockwer and others will report on the influences of digital and how tech advances are transforming the way families interact with the nature around them.

Swiss consulting firm Allegra Tourismus currently describes the wave of e-mountain bikes as a “mega trend in the Alps.” Darco Cazin of Allegra and other experts on the MTB scene will report at the Travel Talk on how alpine regions are experiencing and preparing for it this step change in behaviour.

Of course the often controversial potential for conflict cannot be overlooked. The industry association ZIV recognises that this is a responsibility of the bicycle industry, and in cooperation with the German Alpine Club (DAV) and the Mountainbike Tourism Forum Germany (MTD), the group will publish a “Biker Booklet”. It will present this collaboration at the Eurobike Travel Talk for the first time.

The subject of engaging more women in cycle tourism will also be addressed, with tourism experts Bloomers Outdoors (the organisers of the European Women’s Outdoor Summit) exploring trends of what women want from a vacation.

This year’s talk takes place in the East Foyer of Messe Friedrichshafen on the second day of the Eurobike, July 9, 2018 and begins at 10.30AM. For more information on attending the main show head here and for those specifically heading in for the Travel Talk, click here.