Hotel gears up for two-wheeled visitors as Scotland experiences boom in cycle tourism
Leading independent budget hotel caters for boom in cycle torusim
[UKPRwire, Mon Sep 03 2007] As more than 40,000 cyclists arrive in Scotland for the UCI Mountain Bike & Trials World Championships on the slopes of Aonach Mor near Fort William one of Scotland’s leading independent budget hotels has geared itself up for the boom in cycle tourism.
Latest figures show 2.2million people turned to pedal power to get around the UK last year and despite the horrendous weather this year’s numbers are expected to be even higher.
Business is booming for operators offering cycling holidays with bookings up by 30 per cent and rising, so it’s no surprise wheeling and dealing has taken on a whole new meaning for the tourism industry.
McLays Guest House in the centre of Glasgow is fast gaining a reputation as a popular pit stop for environmentally friendly tourists after it set aside a dedicated cycle park and workshop for guests.
Tens of thousands of travellers come to Scotland each year on cycling holidays and tourism bosses estimate the business is worth at least £219 million pounds annually to the Scottish economy.
Travel experts believe cycling has been given a new lease of life by the rising interest in environmental issues and sustainable transport.
Mountain biking is particularly popular in Britain, with the most popular destinations being in Scotland and Wales.
Many tourists flying into Glasgow stay in the city for a couple of days before taking to the open road and heading Highlands.
“There has been a distinct increase in the number of guests turning up with bikes and they all need somewhere safe and secure to keep their equipment.” said Mr Shahid Chaudhry of McLays Guest House Glasgow.
”We thought it would be a good idea to provide somewhere secure for cyclists to store their bikes and, if necessary, carry out any repairs before setting off to tour the country.
”We don’t know of any other city centre hotels which cater specially for cyclists, which is crazy when you think how popular cycling holidays have become.
“By offering a secure place for their bikes it means that families and sportsmen can spend a few days in Glasgow at the beginning and end of their holidays before flying home again.”
Cycle tourism is becoming increasingly big business for Scotland with the Forestry Commission currently developing off-road and accessible forest routes for mountain bikers who crave the adrenaline rush offered by the country’s rugged terrain.
This years World Mountain Biking Championships, which are being held in Fort William until September 9th, is expected to attract over 40,000 spectators from at least 49 countries and contribute £2 million to the local economy.
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