Velo-city 2026: Rimini, Italy Now Chosen to Host World Cycling Summit on Sustainable Tourism

Published on November 22, 2025

Rimini, located in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, will host the Velo-city 2026 World Cycling Summit, taking place from June 16 to 19, 2026. This international event, organized by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), will be the first time the summit returns to Italy since it was held in Milan in 1991. The event marks a significant milestone for Italy’s cycling tourism and the promotion of sustainable mobility across the region.

Rimini, a city renowned for its rich cultural history and vibrant tourism sector, has earned its place as the venue for this prestigious event, reflecting the growing emphasis on active mobility, eco-tourism, and climate-smart travel in the region. Velo-city 2026 will be hosted at the Palacongressi (IEG Expo), which will serve as the main congress hub for the four-day event.

The summit will bring together city leaders, policymakers, researchers, tourism operators, and key players in the cycling and transport industries to discuss the latest innovations in cycling infrastructure, urban planning, and sustainable tourism.

Velo-city 2026: A Global Platform for Cycling Advocacy and Innovation

The Velo-city World Cycling Summit is widely regarded as the leading international forum for cycling advocacy, where experts from around the world gather to discuss policies, innovations, and practices that promote cycling as a viable and sustainable mode of transport. This year’s event in Rimini will focus on sustainable mobility, green tourism, and the role of cycling in shaping future cities.

The summit will feature a wide range of sessions and presentations, with approximately 400 speakers, 80 sessions, and 100+ exhibitors participating in discussions about urban mobility, cycling infrastructure, and tourism trends. The event will also provide valuable networking opportunities for government officials, business leaders, and community advocates focused on improving cycling conditions and promoting active travel.

One of the key highlights of Velo-city 2026 will be the signature Bike Parade, where delegates, local residents, and visitors will participate in a 10-kilometer bike ride that will showcase the impact of cycling on cities and destinations. The route will pass through Rimini’s historic center and extend along the scenic coastline, offering a visual representation of how cycling can help transform urban environments into more liveable and sustainable spaces.

Rimini’s Role as a Hub for Cycling and Sustainable Tourism

Rimini’s selection as the host city for Velo-city 2026 underscores the region’s ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism and its growing role in global cycling tourism. As part of the Emilia-Romagna region, Rimini has long been recognized for its strong cycling culture, which attracts cyclists from around the world. With cycling routes and bike-friendly infrastructure already in place, Rimini is an ideal location to showcase how cycling tourism can be integrated into a broader vision of sustainable travel.

Rimini’s coastal location and proximity to the rolling hills of the Emilia-Romagna region make it an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts, offering a wide range of cycling experiences, from scenic routes along the coast to more challenging terrain in the countryside. Velo-city 2026 will highlight the growth of bike tourism in Italy, as cycling continues to emerge as a key sector of the country’s eco-tourism market.

Sustainable Tourism and Cycling Growth in Emilia-Romagna

The Emilia-Romagna region, known for its dedication to sustainable tourism, is actively investing in cycling tourism as part of its broader strategy to become a leading destination for eco-friendly travel in Europe. Through improvements in cycling infrastructure, support for local bike tours, and initiatives to encourage pedestrian and cycling-friendly spaces, the region is helping to shape a greener future for the tourism industry.

As part of this commitment, Rimini’s tourism initiatives are focused on enhancing cycling experiences by creating dedicated bike lanes, eco-friendly transport options, and sustainable tourism packages that cater to visitors seeking an active and environmentally-conscious way to explore the region. The Velo-city 2026 summit will contribute to these efforts by bringing global attention to the growing trend of cycling as tourism and active mobility.

Rimini’s Anticipated Impact on Tourism and Local Economy

The Velo-city 2026 summit is expected to have a significant economic impact on Rimini and the wider Emilia-Romagna region, attracting 1,600 delegates from 60+ countries. The event will provide a valuable platform for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and cycling equipment suppliers, to showcase their services and products to an international audience.

With the Bike Parade and other events scheduled throughout the summit, visitors will be able to experience Rimini’s cycling culture firsthand while enjoying the city’s historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and breathtaking coastline.

The summit will also be an opportunity for local authorities and tourism professionals to build international partnerships, exchange best practices in cycling tourism, and explore new opportunities for sustainable development within the region.