Mountain Biking Booming - Tourism Workshop

26th September 2011

Tourism businesses in the Highlands are being given the opportunity to sign up for a new workshop to help them capitalise on an expected 30 per cent growth in the mountain-biking market over the next five years.

Tourism Intelligence Scotland (TIS) and Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland are working in partnership to host two half-day mountain biking workshops for tourism and cycling businesses, based around the intelligence and practical ideas highlighted in TIS's 'Mountain Biking Tourism in Scotland' guide. The guide was launched in June as part of TIS's 'Opportunities for Growth' series and is aimed at helping businesses make the most of new and emerging opportunities in the sector.

Attendees will be provided with the latest intelligence and insights on the mountain biking visitor markets, including: information on local trail centres and facilities; the opportunity to hear from a local business as they share their secrets for success; and creative ideas to help them make the most of the opportunities in mountain bike tourism.

They can also find out about the launch of the new Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland website, where free tools such as photographs and trail guides can be downloaded for businesses to use in their marketing campaigns, and take part in a 'So What?' creative session to encourage them to develop innovative ideas on how to capitalise on the opportunities in mountain biking tourism.

To round off each session, there'll be a chance to saddle up for an optional hour-long taster session on local trails, led by an industry expert.

Graeme McLean, Project Manager for Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland said:"The workshop will be an excellent way for accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants, bike shops and other activity providers to learn what they need to do to take advantage of the mountain biking market.

"The visitor experience can be considerably enhanced if mountain bikers have access to genuinely bike-friendly accommodation and places to eat, and also have a range of other activities to enjoy during their stay. This workshop will help all types of tourism businesses identify what products and services they should put in place to deliver a quality service to mountain bikers."

Audrey MacLennan, Senior Tourism Manager at Highlands and Islands Enterprise said:"Mountain biking is set to become firmly established as our most popular adventure activity after walking. With Scotland's market share predicted to grow significantly over the next five years, this workshop provides a fantastic opportunity for tourism businesses to get involved and grab their share."

Workshops will be held at Perth Concert Hall/Kinnoull Hill on Tuesday 25 October and at Nevis Range, Fort William on Wednesday 26 October. Both are from 09.30 - 13.00, followed by the one hour taster session on the trails.

The cost of £20 per person includes lunch, light refreshments and all biking equipment for the taster session.

Places for either workshop can be booked online at www.developingmountainbikinginscotland.com.

For further information contact Graeme McLean, Developing Mountain Biking Project Manager on 07960 271566 or email Graeme.McLean[AT]scottishcycling.org.uk

More Information
Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland is a project coordinated by the Scottish Mountain Bike Development Consortium. To read more about the project and strategic framework go to www.developingmountainbikinginscotland.com

The aim of the project is to provide a strategic approach to facility development, co-ordinate activity, ensure best practice is spread and maximise the potential of mountain biking in Scotland.

Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland's partners are Scottish Cycling, Cycling Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, CTC,

EventScotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, IMBA UK, Scottish Enterprise, sportscotland, Visit Scotland and a representative from The Highland Council, acting as a local government advisor.

Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland's funding partners are Scottish Cycling, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, CTC, Scottish Enterprise and sportscotland.

Tourism Intelligence Scotland is a joint venture developed by Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and VisitScotland, in partnership with the tourism industry, to stimulate growth and innovation in tourism.

Other guides in TIS's Opportunities for Growth series include: Knowing Our Markets...Scotland's Visitors; Scottish Tourism in the Future; Walking Tourism; Listening to our Visitors; Golf Tourism; Adventure Travel; and Food Experience in Scotland.
For further information on TIS go to www.tourism-intelligence.co.uk