New workshops to highlight business potential of mountain biking tourism

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!

Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland project manager, Graeme McLean, said: “The workshops 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.”

Scottish Enterprise tourism strategic priorities manager, Katrina Morrison, added: "Mountain biking is so much more than a niche market for adrenalin-junkies. It offers the perfect social activity for families, an alternative day out for older couples, and an exciting new challenge for beginners. With Scotland’s market share predicted to grow significantly over the next five years, mountain biking is set to become firmly established as our most popular adventure activity after walking. The workshops therefore provide a fantastic opportunity for tourism businesses to get involved and grab their share.”

The first workshop will be held at Perth Concert Hall/Kinnoull Hill on Tuesday 25^th October and the second at Nevis Range, Fort William on Wednesday 26^th October 2011. Both are from 09.30 – 13.00, followed by a one hour taster session on the trails!

The workshop is terrific value at £20 per person which includes lunch, light refreshments and all biking equipment for the taster session.

Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment at www.developingmountainbikinginscotland.com