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Through a systematic review and meta-analyses of worldwide evidence, this article provides estimates for spend per person per day of overnight (£43.33), non-overnight (£7.95), and all (£13.38) tourism and leisure cyclists. A further meta-analysis to inform local policy, provision, and local economic impact strategies provides evidence for seven tourism and leisure cycling market segments (Near Residents, Far Residents, Near Day Trippers, Far Day Trippers, Near Holidayers, Far Holidayers, Cycle Tourers), and their associated behaviors and spending patterns. Over three quarters of economic activity attributable to tourism and leisure cycling (77%) is shown to be derived from cycling tourism, thus representing additional local economic impact. In conclusion, the use of market segmentation to derive local economic impact estimates is discussed. The importance of considering how far cycling tourism affects trip decisions, rather than whether cycling tourism is the prime trip purpose, is highlighted in deriving robust economic impact estimates. Finally, because the Cycle Tourers market segment contributes less than 2% of market volume and value, future research might usefully focus on less dedicated but more prevalent casual recreationalist cyclists, who are interested in shorter trips, with more stops for refreshments and socializing, and who often travel in family groups.

While tourism can bring many economic advantages to small islands, there are many examples of rapid, unplanned tourist development having produced over -reliance on this one industry, environmental degradation and a concentration on the lower quality end of the mass tourism market. As a result, in the 1990s many islands have been seeking to remedy this situation by a greater commitment to planning, upgrading of facilities and developing new markets. This paper examines this issue through a case study of the island of Malta, which has experienced many of these problems, and evaluates the development of a particular niche market, that of sports tourism. As well as assessing the potential market for sports tourism and the current extent of development on the island, the paper also examines various resource constraints and issues that may affect the potential for future development and concludes by examining the role and commitment of government in formulating appropriate policies. In addition to its value for the future potential of sports tourism in Malta, the paper also provides valuable lessons for such development elsewhere.

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