Cycle Summit Aims to Maximise Cycle Tourism Opportunities

Building on the growth and success of cycle tourism in Ruapehu is the focus of a special Cycle Tourism Summit being organised by Ruapehu District Council (RDC).

The free Summit which is being held at the Chateau on Friday 23 October aims to bring together all tourism operators and other businesses involved in cycle tourism in Ruapehu.

RDC economic development manager Warren Furner said that the recently released Manawatu-Whanganui Regional Growth Study highlights the huge potential value of the ‘cycling opportunity’ to Ruapehu

“Cycling has become a worldwide growth story with people of all ages jumping on a bike,” he said.

“The rapidly growing popularity of cycling and its pulling power to bring people (with the opportunity for repeat visits) to Ruapehu throughout the year provides an opportunity to help drive growth across all our adventure and outdoor tourism offerings.”

“Government and local investment in Ruapehu cycle trails has delivered positive economic benefits and is a major part of the reason that the number of summer visitors now exceeds traditional winter visitor numbers.”

“However while the Regional Growth Study and other analysis shows a positive story around visitor numbers and cycling there is significant latent growth potential that will only be tapped if the industry works together toward common goals.”

Mr Furner said that the key purpose of the Cycle Tourism Summit is to focus Ruapehu cycle tourism operators together on a shared vision and develop an action plan with goals for the next five years.

“The first half of the Summit will be an opportunity to celebrate what has been achieved, hear some success stories, discuss what has worked and identify what needs to be improved.”

“The second half of the Summit will focus on planning for the next five years and what we need to do to be even more successful.”

“Cycling tourism presents amazing, exciting opportunities however we need industry cooperation, coordination and communication if we are to fully capitalise on what is on offer,” he said.

“In addition to completing and fully integrating the growing range of mountain biking tracks and road riding opportunities in the district they need to be properly packaged and marketed.”

“Getting this right will create year round opportunities for tourism operators and other businesses which in turn has flow benefits for all Ruapehu communities.”

“We want to see the Ruapehu cycle trail experience progress from being ‘good’ to ‘truly great’ rides as part of the NZ premier cycle trail network.”

Mr Furner noted that anyone wanting more information on the Cycle Summit should see council’s websitewww.ruapehudc.govt.nz or call him on 07 895 8188 or 06 385 8364.

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