Tasmania is in the attack position and ready for the ride of its life.
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After the success of the World Enduro Mountain Bike competition, businesses and the state government appear comfortable that riding is a big drawcard in the regional tourism market.
According to state government statistics, last year there was a 16 per cent increase of visitors to our state who participated in cycling. Mountain biking accounted for 51 per cent of that figure.
There is no doubt our state – with its twists, turns, downhills and mountains that require plenty of grunt – is ready to capitalise on this initiative. You just have to look at how mountain biking has transformed Derby to see the potential it can reach.
In the past few years, the government and private enterprise have invested in the recreational activity.
In 2014, the state government opened the Hollybank Mountain Bike Park, managed by Northern Tasmania Development, the Launceston City Council and Forestry Tasmania, to provide 20 kilometres of trails.
From there there Derby trails were created and just recently the state government announced a $1 million funding boost for a 66-kilometre extension to these trails.
Bike lanes have been implemented in built-up areas.
On Tuesday, ahead of its state conference, the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania launched its bike friendly business program, which will see businesses declare that they are bike friendly and have a welcoming approach to cycle tourists.
Already Northern businesses Country Club Tasmania and Vertigo Mountain Biking has got on board, after witnessing the growth in the market.
Figures released by the Australian Bicycle Networking showing that the income of those visiting the state for the activity were in the mid-high income bracket.
No doubt these tourists are staying more than one night in the state and eating at some of our finest restaurants.
With about 400 industry leaders, tourism operators descending on Launceston on Wednesday and Thursday for the state’s annual tourism conference, it will be interesting to see what inspiration can be garnered for the event.
It would be promising to see more operators throw open their doors to the bike friendly business program and to set the agenda for the next wave in tourism.
