Scottish Mountain Bike Tourism - Creating a World Class Welcome

CREATING A WORLD-CLASS WELCOME FOR MOUNTAIN BIKERS AND CYCLISTS – New suite of resources launching today aimed at the Scottish Tourism Industry.

Today, Kate Forbes, MSP for Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, will launch an exciting, new and innovative suite of resources and tools which will help the Scottish tourism industry, build on its global reputation in the tourism sector and provide a world-class welcome to visiting mountain bikers and cyclists.

With investment into mountain bike trails and facilities across Scotland and as the nation prepares to host the inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in August next year in Glasgow and across Scotland, this product could not come at a better time. The resources will help businesses across key destinations in Scotland be ready for the increased number of visiting mountain bikers and cyclists.

Kate Forbes MSP said: “I am pleased to support the launch of these important resources and it’s exciting to see the momentum building in the tourism sector in advance of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

“The impact of the Championships, with an expected 1 million spectators to Scotland over the course of the event and 1 billion eyes globally watching around the world, is hugely significant not just for the period of this event, but for many years to come as visitors and spectators appreciate just what we have to offer here in Scotland as a destination.”

The resources developed by Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS), include an online business self-assessment tool, videos showcasing each key destinations strengths and areas of improvement, strong calls to action to improve bike storage and other essential/desirable services, downloadable images and videos, and information for businesses to improve their understanding of the market. The online resources will also be supplemented with a printed guide which will be sent to businesses across the Highlands of Scotland.

Graeme McLean, Head of Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland said, “It is a really exciting time for Scottish Mountain Biking as we head towards the inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. With increased investment in our trail network, strategic projects and programmes across the country happening, this is the prime opportunity to upskill our tourism industry to better cater for this growing market. Ensuring a world-class welcome for the visitors expected over the event, capitalising on the economic benefits, and showcasing Scotland around the globe to future potential visitors.

The project, led by DMBinS, part of Scottish Cycling - the governing body for cycling in Scotland, has been funded by Highlands & Islands Enterprise through the Northern Innovation Hub, part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal.

Audrey McLennan Senior Development Manager at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: “Mountain biking is a hugely popular family activity in the Highlands with an excellent network of paths and trails, which offer a mix of healthy, fun outdoor activities for families to enjoy. With the number of mountain biking and cycling visitors to Scotland on the rise and the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships fast approaching, we are delighted to support the development of this important resource that will help businesses and communities get ready for the increased number in tourism.”

Trudy Lindblade, CEO of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming the world to Glasgow and across Scotland for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships next year. As well as showcasing some spectacular world-class cycling we are going to give visiting athletes, teams, and fans the very best Scottish welcome. These new resources from DMBinS will play an important part in helping the tourism sector welcome cyclists before, during, and long after the Championships.

Scottish MTB Tourism Website

2023 UCI Cycling World Championships | Glasgow & across Scotland (cyclingworldchamps.com)