Making the most from Mountain Bike Tourism

An innovative workshop for local businesses is being held in Peebles on Tuesday January 30. Organised by Forestry Commission Scotland’s 7stanes Project, Visit Scotland and Business Gateway, the workshop will aim to help both existing and potential businesses in the area make the most out of the growing market in mountain bike tourism. Andy Wardman from the 7stanes Project said: “The response from local businesses to the Adventure Tourism Business Insights Day at the Eastgate Centre in November was brilliant, there was an incredibly positive vibe about mountain bike tourism across the South of Scotland and the potential to develop things further. This workshop is just one small part of that development, where we’ll be looking at how local businesses can benefit more from mountain bikers visiting the area and help further improve the mountain bike product on offer to visitors from the UK and abroad." The workshop will explore the 7stanes and the mountain bike tourism market, what mountain bikers are looking for when they visit and what businesses can do to attract more bikers. Local businesses that have benefited from developing their services for mountain bikers will be speaking as will a member from the local business network. Staff from Visit Scotland and Business Gateway Scottish Borders will also be on hand to offer further advice. After lunch there’ll be a chance to have a closer look at the facilities at Glentress, on a tour with one of the Mountain Bike Rangers. For more information and to book a place on the workshop contact Andy on 07834 435380 or [email protected]. The workshop is free, but places are limited. For local businesses looking to find out more a 7stanes Business Development Pack is now available from Business Gateway (0845 609 6611) and you can also sign up for a business newsletter at www.7stanes.gov.uk