Utrecht is hosting Europe’s leading conference on cycle tourism during Dutch Cycling Week

Article written by Jaarbeurs Utrecht.

From 27 September to 4 October 2026, Utrecht will become the international centre of the cycling world during Dutch Cycling Week. One of the highlights will be the EuroVelo & Cycling Tourism Conference 2026, Europe’s leading conference on cycle tourism and recreational cycle routes. From 30 September to 2 October 2026, Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs, the Province of Utrecht, the Municipality of Utrecht and Utrecht & Partners will welcome over 400 experts, policymakers and entrepreneurs from around 40 countries.

Utrecht as an international cycling region
Following previous editions in Izmir (Turkey) and Viborg (Denmark), the organisers have chosen Utrecht this year. As a result, the region will be at the centre of the European debate on the future of cycling for three days. It is no coincidence that the conference is coming to Utrecht. The region is internationally regarded as the prime example in the fields of cycling infrastructure, accessibility and cycling policy. Rob van Muilekom, member of the Provincial Executive of Utrecht: “The Province of Utrecht is proud to host the EuroVelo & Cycling Tourism Conference. We look forward to welcoming professionals from across Europe to exchange knowledge and practical experience on recreational cycling, cycle tourism and sustainable recreation. It is precisely this international cooperation that helps us to build the future of cycling.”

International highlight of Dutch Cycling Week
The EuroVelo & Cycling Tourism Conference forms part of Dutch Cycling Week, an international themed week in which governments, businesses, research institutions, trade associations and cycling professionals come together to discuss innovation, mobility, sport, health and the future of cycling. Jeroen van Hooff, CEO of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs and co-initiator of Dutch Cycling Week: “We are proud that Europe’s leading conference on cycle tourism is part of Dutch Cycling Week this year. It underlines Utrecht’s international appeal as a cycling region and a meeting place for the entire cycling sector. In Utrecht, we bring together policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators from across Europe to share knowledge and work towards the mobility, health and quality of life of tomorrow.”

Utrecht as the Heart of Health
The arrival of EuroVelo also ties in with Utrecht’s positioning as the Heart of Health. Cycling links health, accessibility, quality of life and sustainable tourism, and raises Utrecht’s international profile. Cor Jansen, Managing Director of Utrecht & Partners: “There’s hardly a better place to host a conference on the future of cycling than Utrecht. EuroVelo strikes at the very heart of what we stand for as a region: sharing knowledge, healthy urban living and welcoming visitors in a way that adds value to the city and the region. Here, we can showcase what Utrecht has to offer, but above all, bring together knowledge and ideas from across Europe to learn from one another.”

The future of cycle tourism
Cycling tourism is growing rapidly worldwide. Governments and regions are increasingly investing in high-quality cycling infrastructure, international route networks and sustainable leisure activities. The EuroVelo & Cycling Tourism Conference will therefore focus on the theme ‘At the Beating Heart of Cycling’. Topics such as route development, digitalisation, AI, data, visitor management and public-private partnerships will be covered in detail. Participants range from policymakers and researchers to route developers, tour operators and representatives from the cycling industry.