Sandstone Way Networking: A Tour Operator’s Perspective

Tour Operator’s Perspective  Who are Saddle Skedaddle  UK largest cycle tour operator  20 years old  NE based  All types of cycling, multi-day  UK, EU and further afield  50% product in UK, 75% of that in NE

Saddle Skedaddle and the Development of the Sandstone Way  Involved as one stakeholder in a larger Cycle Northumberland advisory group  Helped particularly with promotion, in practical ways (eg stuffing feedback cards into map packs) as well as helping gain national visibility with press releases  Ran 2 trips this year, with 3 scheduled for 2016

Trip Feedback “I loved it all - great variety of riding, plenty of challenge and beautiful views.” “It's difficult to pick a favourite but the challenge of completing the 50 miles on Sunday was rewarding. I had not previously realised the beauty of the Northumberland countryside..” “it is typical mountain bike country so if u like a challenge which I do...go for it.....” “Great scenery and a good mix of riding”

Tour Operators – What We Need  A really good route / good cycling  Place to place / journey  Destination marketing  Infrastructure / Service providers  Accommodation  Luggage transfers  Transfers  ‘Easily’ Accessible

Tour Operators – What We Offer  Relationships with a Tour Operators helps you extend your reach  Brochures 30,000 people  Websites 20,000 a month  Newsletters 20,000 per month  Bring customers from outside the region (UK plus some inbound) and return custom  Circa £100+ per person per day in the local economy* *Accommodation, snacks, transfers, guides, meals etc. (not including our own NE based staff)

Tour Operators – How We Benefit  What Tour operators get out of this….  Good product  ‘Destination marketing’  Service providers (accommodation, transfer people, places to eat)  Feedback opportunity  Local, easy to run Perfect partnership – a win-win situation!

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