Tour Ride Tourism Creates Additional Boost for Regional Economy
Written by Kevin Rennie on August 28, 2013
The Tour of Britain kicks off its 2013 schedule in Scotland and will put Dumfries and Galloway firmly in the international sporting spotlight.
Day One of the 2013 Tour is the annual Scottish Stage, on Sunday 15 September, which takes place between Peebles and Drumlanrig. The route will take in magnificent Borders scenery and conclude at the dramatic setting of Drumlanrig Castle. The finishing line, in front of the Castle’s splendid backdrop and 8000 pumped up spectators, will be an awe inspiring sight.
The celebration of cycling this year includes the Tour Ride – either 100 mile or 50 mile Sportives for amateur and leisure cyclists that follows part of the route of the Scottish stage. The Tour Rides take place on Saturday 14 September and local cyclists can elect to do the 50 mile course that starts and finishes at Drumlanrig. The longer course begins in Peebles. Participants can enjoy the thrill of completing their cycle under the famous Tour of Britain finishing line gantry, and have priority viewing for the real thing the next day.
The Tour Ride adds up to another tourism boost related to the region hosting the UK’s most prestigious cycling race. More than 340 people have already signed up for the Tour Rides, which will add significantly to the weekend visitors to Dumfries and Galloway attracted by the Tour of Britain.
Dumfries and Galloway Council, with the support of the national events agency, EventScotland, has brought the Tour to our region since 2005, and the investment in the race is now providing a global showcase for south west Scotland.
Councillor Finlay Carson, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Events Champion said, “The Tour of Britain is a wonderful sporting occasion that can increase visitor numbers to our region in the short and long term. The Council has punched above its weight in attracting and retaining this event for our area and in developing its impacts together with the Tour and EventScotland. In terms of great live sport and economic impacts, the Tour provides a major shot in the arm for Dumfries and Galloway.”
Paula McDonald, Regional Director at VisitScotland said: “Following another fantastic summer for British cycling, we are delighted to welcome back the Tour of Britain to Dumfries and Galloway this September. Hosting such a prestigious race cements Scotland’s position as the perfect stage for events, and brings in significant economic benefits through visitors to the region. In 2012, around 37% of spectators came from outwith the South of Scotland, while our stunning scenery was broadcast to 120 countries around the world.
“Next year Scotland will welcome the world with key events such as the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and Homecoming Scotland 2014. This is another excellent opportunity to reach a huge number of potential visitors on top of the dedicated marketing activity we do to promote biking and outdoor sports in the region.”
For full details of the Tour Ride go to www.tourofbritain.co.uk
