Its capital, Lisbon, receives more than 4.5 million visitors every year and is a city where major global events regularly take place. Portuguese hospitality and its excellence in organizing big events are some of the reasons for this success, which inspires all those who visit the city.
In 2020 Lisbon received the European Green Capital Award, which is a great opportunity to raise awareness about active and sustainable modes of transport, such as cycling.
In 2021 Lisbon will be the European Capital of Sport and thousands of people are expected to visit the city, especially athletes, young people and families. An ambitious program is being developed, to welcome all visitors, and of course, cycling will play a key role, not only for sports purposes but above all to promote active transport and healthier lifestyles in citizens' daily routine.
Portugal has a remarkable bicycle industry, and specifically a growing awareness of cycling and sustainable mobility: the bicycle industry in Portugal is the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world.
For all these reasons, Velo-city 2021 will be one of the most important opportunities to strengthen the Portuguese bicycle industry and its research cluster, presenting technological and manufacturing capabilities, innovative products and solutions, research and development, and also to promote its role as an important economic contributor at the national level.