Cyclotourism in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Potential and Challenges for the Tourism Activity

Abstract

Cycletourism is a form of travel by bicycle associated with rural and adventure tourism. It is often used as a strategy for rural development and income generation on family properties in small municipalities. This study has three main objectives: 1) Identify and map cycle tourism routes in the state of Rio Grande do Sul; 2) Verify the availability of these routes in rural areas; and 3) Understand the potential and challenges for the development of the activity in the state. Adopting an exploratory approach with qualitative and quantitative characteristics, the research used secondary data from specialized websites, government institutions, and local and regional newspapers, as well as a literature review on rural tourism and cycle tourism. Eight consolidated rural cycle tourism routes were identified in Rio Grande do Sul, distributed in the northwest, northeast, southwest, and southeast regions, covering nine immediate geographic regions, except for the northern region of the state. The analysis of the distribution of these routes considered the characteristics of the regions where they are located. The main potentials of the routes include civil participation and cultural, historical, geographical, and ethnic richness, as well as social aspects. Among the challenges are the lack of public engagement and the shortage of adequate infrastructure for the development of cycle tourism in the studied regions.