Earlier this week Transform Scotland published their report, The Value of Cycle Tourism: Opportunities for the Scottish Economy.
The report makes a good case for promoting cycling for tourists; which can lead to positive benefits for employment in hospitality related services. I think there are some important messages for the City.
The authors' calculation of the economic impact of cyclo tourism is based on a count of the number of participants attracted to annual cycling events held throughout Scotland. I notice, however, that Claverhouse Rotary Club's Cyclathon around the Dundee Green Circular in early September was not included.
Maybe this is because the event was instigated and promoted as a local charity fundraising event. It's a great day out and one that could well draw in visitors from further afield. Perhaps, with the agreement of Claverhouse Rotary, their Cyclathon could be included in Dundee's annual programme of events which we actively publicise to tourists?
Maybe this is because the event was instigated and promoted as a local charity fundraising event. It's a great day out and one that could well draw in visitors from further afield. Perhaps, with the agreement of Claverhouse Rotary, their Cyclathon could be included in Dundee's annual programme of events which we actively publicise to tourists?
While we have an excellent map of the Dundee Green Circular to issue to visitors, I also wondered where the tourists, who turned up without their own bikes, might hire a bike in Dundee? Perhaps there are places, but none spring to mind. Wouldn't it be good to be able to offer future visitors to the VandA Dundee the opportunity to continue their stay in the city by hiring a bike and cycling down the enhanced largely off-road cycle route to Broughty Ferry? I know that not everyone would want to cycle along the waterfront but some folk would. I surely can't be the only person that wants something completely different after a few hours in a museum or gallery?
I have checked Dundee's first Tourism Action Plan, which was launched last month, and unfortunately it does not mention cycling once. I have written to Mike Galloway, Director of City Development to suggest that this report, from Transform Scotland, is referred to the staff and Consultative Group taking forward the Tourism Action Plan. I think there are some important opportunities and currently it would appear that Dundee is missing a trick.
I have checked Dundee's first Tourism Action Plan, which was launched last month, and unfortunately it does not mention cycling once. I have written to Mike Galloway, Director of City Development to suggest that this report, from Transform Scotland, is referred to the staff and Consultative Group taking forward the Tourism Action Plan. I think there are some important opportunities and currently it would appear that Dundee is missing a trick.
