Ordnance Survey – Great Britain's national mapping agency

Cycling adds millions to north east tourist economy

10 August 2007

Cycle tourism adds millions of pounds to the economy of the north-east, new research has revealed.

The study, The Economic Impact of Cycle Tourism in North East England, was conducted by researchers at the University of Central Lancashire, Loughborough University and sustainable transport charity Sustrans®.

It found that in 2006 alone, four long-distance cycle routes in the region attracted over half a million trips and directly contributed £9.6 million to its economy.

Professor Les Lumsdon, director of the Institute of Transport & Tourism at the University of Central Lancashire, emphasised that these figures present a strong case for further investment in cycling.

He said: ‘UK destinations providing green tourism opportunities could benefit greatly in the future from consumers looking for more environmentally-friendly holidays.

‘By further supporting home-grown cycle tourism, a low-carbon form of tourism, the UK will not only realise economic benefits but will also have the opportunity to help minimise the effects of climate change – a healthy return on investment for both the UK economy and the planet.’

 

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