DOING IT THE RIDE WAY - SUPPORTING SCOTTISH BUSINESSES TO CREATE A WORLD CLASS OFFER

Name: PFM & Yep Digital
Price range: $

We have been running a series of business workshops in the key destinations of Aberdeenshire, Tweed Valley, Fort William & Lochaber, and Badenoch & Strathspey area of Cairngorms to help owners increase their profitability, deliver a better quality of service, and develop their digital skills to attract the growing MTB, cycling, and adventure market.

Wednesday, 23 February 2022

why and what is on offer?

The mountain biking, cycling and adventure tourism markets have grown hugely over the last 15 years and most recently they have been boosted by the desire to be active in nature during the covid-19 pandemic with 22% of Scots cycling in 2020. Bike sales have also soared with the industry experiencing 51% year-on-year growth according to the Bicycle Association of Great Britain.

The sheer growth in visitors accessing the outdoors by bike or for adventures, and people choosing a ‘staycation’ as a result of the Covid pandemic has been substantial. With the largest ever investment in cycling facilities in Scotland due in advance of the 2023 Cycling World Championships, there has never been a better time for business to increase their capacity and up their offer.

These workshops have been designed to help local businesses; accommodation providers and coaches/guides enhance their physical and digital offering to the growing adventure tourism market.

The sessions will give participants a better understanding of the mountain bike, cycling & adventure market and provide the knowledge and tools necessary to enable businesses to increase profitability, return visits and realise the opportunities this growing market offers.

Sessions include:-

Improving business's digital marketing and profile through effective social media content creation and promotion.
Increased understanding of cycling/adventure tourism and market trends.
Improving business's physical product to provide a world-class welcome to visitors.

Businesses attending will have the opportunity to:-

Foster collaboration with local cycling supply chain businesses
Receive bespoke advice on how to provide a world-class welcome/experience.
Take part in interactive practical workshops (online and in-person)
Receive feedback and engagement from industry leaders.
Recieve priority access to follow-on staff and team member training opportunities.
Receive support from the DMBinS project team

Graeme McLean, Head of Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland

We are delighted to be able to host these workshops to improve collaboration between businesses and provide them with the tools necessary to improve the level of service for visitors, increase profitability and return visits from riders and adventure enthusiasts.

What next?

Businesses that have attended so far will have the option to attend follow up events to consolidate, receive further support and additional training.

We hope to be able to roll these workshops out in other areas of the country, as funding allows and as soon as is practicable.

Aberdeenshire

In Aberdeenshire, 10 adventure tourism businesses will also be able to access funding of £85,000 for staff to gain governing body qualifications and upgrade their equipment to expand their business in anticipation of increased demand in 2022.