The potential benefits of an ecomuseum for cycle tourism: Social, economic and environmental effects

Cycle tourism is a sustainable type of tourism from a social, economic and environmental point of view. The ecomuseum is an ‘instrument’ to share interests and to protect the cultural, historical and natural heritage of a region. The purpose of this research is to determine how an ecomuseum can improve the potential of cycle tourism as a type of tourism that maintains conservation of natural areas and common property. First, we review the literature with regard to cycle tourism and the ecomuseum phenomenon and then pay specific attention to the literature focusing on the social, economic and environmental effects. Considering that the research topic has been under-investigated until now, we selected a case-study approach. The selected case study includes all the study aspects: protection of the common property and natural areas; development of sustainable tourism; and organisation of a complex management system. It will be shown that an ecomuseum can be beneficial by attracting more cycle tourists and by having significant and favourable effects on sustainability. The research describes how many and what businesses can be developed thanks to an ecomuseum that combines the provision of cycle tourism in a natural setting with protection of the cultural heritage of a region. In addition, this research identifies the other stakeholders that may be connected with the project and may affect the environment and society, particularly the citizens. Finally, the results may be used in strategic planning by the involved municipalities.