A recent study titled ‘Cycling Tourism in Scotland’ by VisitScotland has revealed that mountain biking among domestic visitors generates £43 million a year for the Scottish economy. The report also says that mountain bikers spend 66 per cent more per night than those who cycle on a road or path during their holiday.
Newly analyzed data shows that, typically, 122,000 people a year get on their mountain bikes while on holiday in Scotland, spending £355 per trip*.
The study also shows that 76 per cent of mountain biking visitors to Scotland are male. Most cyclists are aged between 35 and 44, while 25 per cent are 45-54 and 19 per cent are aged between 25 and 34.
Cycling Tourism in Scotland is published as thousands of fans from around the world prepare to descent on the Highlands tomorrow and Sunday (3-4 June) to enjoy the thrilling downhill action of the World Cup and the BUFF® 4X Pro Tour.
Supported by £100,000 through EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events directorate, the only UK-leg on the World Cup circuit will see the world’s fastest downhill riders go head-to-head as they race against the clock down the slopes of Aonach Mor at the iconic Nevis Range.
More than 250 of the sport’s biggest stars, including 2016 Downhill World Champions, British riders Danny Hart and Rachel Atherton, will be competing across the weekend as they battle it out for the Men’s and Women’s World Cup titles.
Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “Scotland really is a mountain biker’s dream. From the budding amateur to the hardened professional, there are trails to suit everyone. This new study shows just how valuable the sport is to our visitor economy, while big events such as the UCI Fort William Mountain Bike World Cup this weekend help to showcase Scotland’s mountain biking pedigree around the world. Scotland continues to attract world-class, high-profile international events that keep the eyes of the world on this country as the perfect stage.”
* Source: Great Britain Tourism Survey 2011-2015
For more information about the Mountain Bike World Cup, go to www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk
