7stanes CIC, Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland and Visit Scotland saddle up for Tourism Workshops
Mountain biking across Southern Scotland is more popular than ever as a result of the new trails and visitor centres being created across the already popular 7stanes mountain bike trail network.
In preparation for this 7stanes CIC, Visit Scotland and Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) are working in partnership with local destination marketing groups, Tweed Valley Tourist Consortium and Destination Dumfries & Galloway, to host two Mountain Biking Workshops for tourism and cycling businesses. Whether you own a bed & breakfast, bike shop, cafe or manage a hotel this workshop is for you!
This fantastic workshop will give attendees an insight into the key visitor markets, information on the new visitor centres at Glentress and Kirroughtree, information on new and upgraded trails, local events and top tips and practical steps for businesses to follow. There will also be the opportunity to hear from experienced business individuals in the mountain biking market who will share their secrets on how to attract mountain bike visitors!
Businesses can get involved with our ‘So what?’ interactive creative session to encourage delegates to come up with innovative ideas on how to make the best of opportunities in mountain biking tourism. Those attending will also have the chance to take part in our ‘have-a-go mountain bike’ sessions and experience the thrill first hand! The taster sessions will take place at the world famous trails, Glentress and Kirroughtree and will be led by an industry expert. Don’t worry if you are not the owner of a bike, bikes can be provided!
Mandy Layden, Development Manager for the 7stanes CIC, said “We have a world class product on our doorstep which is consistently in the top 5 visitor attractions across the South of Scotland. We know many businesses that have grown by successfully accommodating mountain bikers and with the activity continuing to grow we hope to encourage more businesses across the South of Scotland to offer a world class welcome.”
Local business owner and Tweed Valley Tourism Consortium Chair, Catherine Maxwell-Stuart, who will be chairing the workshop said: “The workshop will be a great opportunity for any accommodation providers, café’s/restaurants, bike shops or other activity providers to learn what they can do to take advantage of the increased profile mountain biking will receive from the introduction of these new centres.
“The overall quality of the Scottish holiday experience can be enhanced if mountain bikers also have genuinely bike friendly accommodation, places to eat and other activities to enjoy – this workshop will help those businesses know what they have to put in place to deliver a quality service to mountain bikers.”
Paul Aram, who represents Destination Dumfries & Galloway on the 7stanes CIC board commented “The new visitor centre at Kirroughtree is geared to attract more visitors to enjoy this fantastic area of Scotland. The new centre – which opens in December this year – will increase the appeal to visitors with much improved facilities and this offers local businesses an opportunity to widen their market and also show what a tremendous part of the world this is to visit.”
Indeed the new centres are another addition to the Scottish mountain biking offer which is gaining a world-wide reputation. Graeme McLean, Project Manager of Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland, explains, “Scotland is regarded by many mountain bikers around the world as a place they must visit. However we can’t rest on our laurels and we must work hard at providing a quality joined up visitor experience so people will want to visit again and again, and also, tell their friends to visit too.”
The workshops will be held at:
Glentress – Tuesday 28th January from 09.30 – 13.15
Kirroughtree – Wednesday 29th January from 09.30 – 13.15
Both workshops will be followed by the one hour taster session on the 7stanes trails at Glentress & Kirroughtree – all abilities welcome.
The workshops are terrific value at £20 per person which includes lunch, light refreshments and if you aren’t a biker yourself, biking equipment will be supplied free of charge.
Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment at www.DMBinS.com/developing
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