International Cycling Congress 6-8 February 2014 , Palma de Mallorca, Spain
WHY IT PAYS TO INVEST IN CYCLING TOURISM Ed Lancaster, ECF
Content • Introduction to ECF, EuroVelo and Cycling Tourism • The benefits of cycling tourism • What investments are required? • Focus on Spain
• Concluding remarks
Ed Lancaster, ECF
European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) • ECF is the umbrella federation of national and regional cycling organisations. • Founded in 1983.
• Nearly 70 Member organisations in over 40 countries. • Based in Brussels.
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European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) Our mission
More people cycling, more often !
Objective for Europe
Doubling the share of cycling to 15% modal share by 2020!
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European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) The types of measures required • Information • Infrastructure
• Bike & public transport • Bike sharing • Bike parking • Cyclologistics
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European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) What we do 1) Provide information, suggestions and advice.
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European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) What we do 2) Lobby for the interests of cyclists in international and European institutions.
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European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) What we do 3) We run global networks e.g. ‘Scientists for Cycling’, ‘Cities for Cyclists’, and
organising Velo-city conferences.
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European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) What we do 4) We deliver projects on key subjects like route infrastructure, managing
successful cycle campaigns and promoting cycling tourism.
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EuroVelo EuroVelo EuroVelo • European cycle route network. • 14 themed long-distance cycle routes. • 3 come through Spain: EuroVelo 1 – Atlantic Coast Route EuroVelo 3 – Pilgrims Route EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean Route
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Cycling tourism has changed‌
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…and it is trendy
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Benefits of cycling tourism • Cycling tourists need services = good for local economies. • Brings tourist to areas ‘off the beaten track’.
• Extends the tourist season.
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Benefits of cycling tourism
• Sustainable and healthy form of tourism. • Social interaction. • Benefits to local communities. • ‘Feel good factor’
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Benefits of cycling tourism
European Parliament study of cycling tourism • Brought together all the existing information • Interesting case studies. • Identified some new aspects
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Benefits of cycling tourism
European Parliament study of cycling tourism • 2.3 billion cycling tourism trips/year in Europe; 20.4 million with overnight stay • Total impact of cycling tourism in Europe: 44 billion/year
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Benefits of cycling tourism Potential impact of EuroVelo Once the network is complete (estimated to be 2020): • 60 million trips in the EuroVelo network, 14.5 million with overnight stay • Total impact of Eurovelo in Europe 7 billion/year
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Benefits of cycling tourism Comparisons Country
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Estimated economic impact (billion â‚Ź)
Germany
11.37
France
7.49
UK
2.83
Sweden
2.58
Netherlands
2.57
Finland
2.20
Italy
2.05
Poland
2.02
Hungary
1.90
Spain
1.60
Benefits of cycling tourism National Example The Value of Cycle Tourism (June 2013) Estimated economic benefits (p.a.): • Health Benefits: £4 m • Cycle-related events: £5.6 m • Leisure cycle-related infrastructure: £1.5 m • Expenditure of Leisure Cyclists: £106.2 - £228.2 m Total economic contribution: £117.4 - £239.3 m (Euros: 137.2 – 279.6 m)
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Benefits of cycling tourism Local Example Great Western Greenway, Republic of Ireland •
Former railway line re-opened as a cycle path in 2011. Cost approx. €6 million
•
145,000 visitors in 2011 175,000 visitors in 2012 200,000 visitors expected in 2013
•
Created 38 new jobs and helping to secure 56.
•
New developments: gourmet trail, an adventure sports trail and a Greenway artists’ group.
•
The value to the local economy is estimated at €7.2 million a year and rising.
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What investments are required? • Cycling tourists need attractive, safe and comfortable routes. • But what does that mean in practice?:
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What investments are required?
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What investments are required? • Attractive, safe and comfortable routes
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What investments are required? • EuroVelo, the European cycle route network
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What investments are required? • Complete and standard signage
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What investments are required? • Bike-friendly transport
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What investments are required? • Services for cycle tourists: certified and high quality
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What investments are required? • Up-to-date and accessible information
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What investments are required? • Cycling tourism cycle Services/facilities
Attractive, safe comfortable routes
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Cycle tourists
Promotion, communication, offers
What investments are required? • Not just physical outputs but also organisational development
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Focus on Spain • Spain is an attractive destination
for cycle tourists • Well-developed tourism industry. • Some internationally famous cycling
routes and areas. • Large market already – lots of potential to grow.
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Concluding remarks
• The benefits of the cycling tourism far exceed its costs.
• The rewards are there for those that want it!
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More information: For more information: www.ECF.com / www.EuroVelo.com
Ed Lancaster, ECF
International Cycling Congress 6-8 February 2014 , Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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