The development status of bicycle tourism in Turkiye: a comprehensive review of opportunities and limitations

This study aims to understand the development status, challenges, and potential of bicycle tourism in Turkiye, which is a developing destination. The research employs a qualitative case study design, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 27 bicycle tourism stakeholders and experts. The findings reveal that while Turkiye possesses significant advantages for bicycle tourism development, several structural and operational challenges impede its growth. The study identifies three main themes in the findings as markets, positive aspects, and negative aspects. Results indicate that infrastructure deficiencies, limited coordination among stakeholders, and insufficient marketing efforts restrict the sector’s development, despite the country’s natural and cultural potential for bicycle tourism. A framework is presented for developing bicycle tourism in emerging destinations. Strategic insights are likewise provided to policymakers and industry stakeholders seeking to craft sustainable bicycle tourism policies, thereby advancing both scholarship and practice. © 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.