BUSINESSES in the Borders are being encouraged to "capitalise" on the popularity of cycling to help boost tourism.

VisitScotland has created an online guide for businesses to help them make the most of the increased number of cycling enthusiasts visiting the region in the lead up to and during the UCI World Cycling Championships this summer.

The Borders will host a number of mountain biking events at Glentress in August as part of the championships.

Trudy Lindblade, CEO of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships said:  “As we prepare to welcome thousands of elite and amateur cyclists and hundreds of thousands enthusiastic cycling fans to Scotland this summer, this is a fantastic opportunity for businesses in Scotland to be part of the biggest cycling event ever. This new online guide will help raise awareness of the Championships, and support the economic benefits that cycling tourism can create for Scotland longer term.  

“We look forward to working with VisitScotland and businesses across the tourism sector to welcome our competitors and spectators and ensure they have a warm Scottish welcome which will inspire them to return in future years.”

VisitScotland's guide will offer advice on how to cater for an influx in visitor numbers, as well providing case studies of businesses which are already providing experiences and services tailored to visiting cyclists.

The guide includes:

· Practical advice on how businesses can create a high-quality experience for cyclists

· Market insights from the latest cycling tourism research

· Visitor Insights – which visitors are interested in cycling trips

· Marketing advice- how to attract cycling visitors, and which channels to use 

· Cycling tourism trends

· Useful resources – information on routes, bike hire and public transport

Cycling tourism is worth an estimated £37bn to the European economy.

The growing global trend of bike sales during the coronavirus pandemic is also something which is discussed in VisitScotland's 'Scotland Made for Cycling' research paper, which also highlights Scotland's 1,600 miles of National Cycle Network and biking opportunities in the country.

Rob Dickson, VisitScotland director of industry and destination development said: “This new resource on our VisitScotland.org website will provide a clear and practical guide to help industry understand how to make the most of cycling tourism and the interest generated from the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

“There has never been a better time to experience cycling in Scotland, with new cycling initiatives and experiences being created right across the country, promoting cycling and helping businesses cater for this growing market will benefit communities right across the country."

For more information about cycling tourism or to access VisitScotland’s Scotland. Made for Scotland industry guide, visit: visitscotland.org/cycling-tourism