This in from Visit Isle of Wight, in their own words. Ed
Cycle Tourism is growing all over the globe with a wealth of stunning routes being developed to capitalise on the economic benefits. Tom moved to the Island from New Zealand where he was involved in the NZ government’s 60 Million dollar NZ Cycle Trail scheme.
Now keen to put this experience to good use, he is currently developing branding and marketing plans to ensure the Isle of Wight is at the forefront of the cycle tourism movement.
Tom says,
“2014 is the Year of the Bike, with a perfect storm of interest in cycling gripping the nation” and Tom believes the Island has some world class cycle routes, “the round island and our cycle ways on old railways are assets that have real potential to pull new visitor to the Island if we get the marketing right.”
And modern cycle tourists have an impressive spending profile:
Tom says,
“Cycle tourists nowadays are looking for high-end accommodation and back-up services like baggage transfers and they are prepared to pay well for it. It’s less about speedy Lycra super heroes, more about active over 50’s using comfort bikes on four night tours. That way, they can relax and enjoy our stunning scenery and have lots of opportunities to stop and spend.”
Cycle Tourism workshop
Tom has also sent out invites to a Cycle Tourism workshop on 18th February between 11.30 and 14.00.
It’s a chance for the Island tourism sector to learn about opportunities for their businesses and see how Visit Isle of Wight’s “Bicycle Island” brand is developing. Speakers will present on cycle tourism case studies from the UK and overseas and after lunch, the workshop sessions on Bicycle Island will kick off.
Tom says,
“So many people on the island have worked for years to develop cycle business and routes on the Island. It’s important for them to be involved in the next phase of the industry’s development.”
Anyone interested in attending this or future cycle tourism workshops should contact Tom for an invitation and further information – he is available at Visit Isle of Wight on 01983 201048, or email him on [email protected].
