View
220
Download
2
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Sue Morin - Community Economic Development Manager, Venture Niagara Community Futures Development Corporation - Ontario Cycle Tourism Forum 2013 on March 1 in Toronto, ON.
Citation preview
Ontario Cycling Tourism Summit
Niagara
A Cycling DestinationPresented by :
SUSAN MORIN
March 1, 2013
Niagara region
Niagara is known for the falls, wineries and its thriving tourism industry.
Cycling Tourism “A game everyone can play”
The Greater Niagara Circle Route offers a 140 km full circle view of Niagara along Niagara’s many waterfront trails.
The geographical region and surrounding landscapes are relatively flat, however Niagara also offers opportunity for training as well as different levels of exploring.
More and more roads include bike lanes .
What the cycling visitor wants Road Cycling vs Path cycling vs Mountain Biking
Group riding vs and 2 – 5 people
Events are not for everyone
Variety is inviting (levels of difficulty, length of circuit, variety
of circuits)
Many cyclist enjoy a training option
Extra services (along the route or after)
i.e. Luggage services, transportation, meals near or in their
accommodation, bicycle services, tour guides,
SWOT analysis
Strengths:
Overall great tourism products and extended seasons for cycling weather
Niagara region is friendly, clean and offers tidy environment for cycling
Region advisory cycling committee and other cycling clubs in most municipalities including near by urban centers like Hamilton
Increase in cycling culture
Many areas of natural beauty
All municipalities are accessible by bike
Many calm areas for cycling
SWOT analysisStrengths (Cont’d) :
Great cycling routes and increased cycling lanes throughout Niagara
Improved bike friendly public transportation
Accommodations available throughout the region
Cycle and Stay services delivered by B&B’s
Weaknesses Limited transportation for cyclists into Niagara by road and rail
Limited research and information on tourism and cycle tourism in the region
Signage
Weak cohesive marketing strategies
Lack of facilities in some areas----water, washrooms, shops, parking lots, and bike repair, etc.
Winter Weather
Opportunities Economic challenges lead people to choose cycling (no
transportation costs, fuel or parking)
Local government policy support
Increased awareness of personal health using cycling in personal routine
Improvements to the environment
Creating cycling events that cater to the developing cycling market
New promotional methods getting more people involved
Working with other organizations
Threats Competition from other destinations
Few outside travelers know about Niagara’s cycling routes
Limited resources to put towards promoting cycling
Lack of new circuits and product to encourage return
visitors
Marketing message
Bicycle friendly streets and paths
Access to scenic roads, natural areas, waterfront, cultural and historic attractions
Good restaurants
Accommodation with a hearty breakfast either provided or nearby
Bicycle repair shops and other interesting stores and services (luggage service)
Adequate and secure bicycle parking and lock up
Promotion of cycling events and other events: Theatre, music and arts festivals
Route maps and effective advertising and signage
Marketing – cycling
Enhancing Niagara as a Cycling Tourism Destination
Maintenance of current routes and trails, improve roads, paved shoulders and improving pavement conditions.
Improve signage and provide additional services between routes which would be needful to tourist. (Ex: Bike rental services, locking clips)
Create more trails and build new loops to maintain interest of tourist and include all municipalities link routes to important attractions like lakes, wineries and canals to creates interest among tourist and attract return visits
Educate tourism industry partners on the needs of cycling tourists
Partners
Cycle clubs
Safety and training educators
Regional advocacy groups
Policy makers
Traditional Tourism stakeholders (accommodation, restaurants, attractions)
Other agencies supporting cycling tourism such as the Niagara Parks Commission
Attracting Events - GrandFondo Inaugural event September 14th 2013
125 kilometers
4000 cyclists
Ontario Cycling Tourism Summit
Thank you for your time!
Q&A