Louisa Mursell Projects Director Phone: / © 2013 Transportation Options CYCLE TOURISM DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT & THE GREENBELT ROUTE
Cycle Tourism Development - In Ontario – In the Greenbelt - Key factors: Partnerships Infrastructure Info & Marketing Transportation Options Services & Businesses
PARTNERS IN DEVELOPMENT Local & Business Community First Nations Communities Organizations Town / Municipality / County / Region Tourism – DMO & RTO Provincial – MTCS & MTO Champions & Leaders
INFRASTUCTURE Mapping the route Existing & new infrastructure Connections Signage Bike Parking Itineraries - Day trippers/weekenders vs end to end/multi day
INFO & MARKETING Cycling Maps Regional & Ontario Websites & Digital In Print Media & Advertising
Marketing & Promotions Cycling Events Consumer Shows Ontario Cycle Tourism Info Centre
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS Cycle in / cycle out Bike rentals & tours
SERVICES & BUSINESSES Tourism Assets on or Near Greenbelt Route Accommodations Food Services Attractions Bike Stores Certified Bicycle Friendly The Greenbelt Experience
What is the Welcome Cyclists Network? Goal is to create a network of cycle friendly businesses that together enhance the regions cycle tourism product Comprehensive program Individual business profile / collective profile Economic development Target end users – visiting cycle tourists and local cyclists Promoting cycle tourism & bicycle friendly businesses in Ontario 775+ participating locations - 26 regions
Welcome Cyclists Workshop Sample Workshop Agenda 1.Welcome, Introduction & Overview 2.Welcome Cyclists Network Program 3.Industry Standards & Criteria Checklist 4.Promotional & Marketing Opportunities 5.Who Are Cycle Tourists? 6.Why Welcome Cyclists? 7.Why Our Region? Guest Speakers 8. Destination Development 9.Next Steps 10. Q&A - Networking 2 hour program, option for networking time
Network Participants Benefits Workshop & Tool Kit Product knowledge Access to growing cycle tourism market Potential for group marketing opportunities Formation of a larger network in region NETWORK PARTICIPATION Workshop Attendance On-line Registration Criteria Checklist
Welcome Cyclists Locations Offer: Secure bike lock-up area Local cycling information Use of basic bicycle repair tool set (accommodations only) Healthy, local food options (where served) Rest area and water (attractions) Certification Criteria Checklist
Welcome Cyclists Network & Workshops 36 workshops 1060 attendees Niagara Region County of Frontenac Greenbelt & GTA Regions: Hamilton, Halton, Peel, York, Durham, Northumberland Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes (RTO8) The Great Waterway (RTO9) Manitoulin & LaCloche Foothills Haldimand & Norfolk Haliburton Highlands Grey County & Simcoe County Renfrew County/Ottawa Valley Windsor, Essex County
Businesses and regions already participating Niagara Hamilton - 27 Halton - 32 Peel - 12 York - 11 Durham - 77 Kawarthas & Northumberland - 65 Program launch 2010 New workshops January / February 2014 Planning and outreach to begin in November Information to be presented on Greenbelt Route 2014 Greenbelt Welcome Cyclists Workshop Series
Louisa Mursell Projects Director Phone: / © 2013 Transportation Options CYCLE TOURISM DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT & THE GREENBELT ROUTE