One of the government's earliest initiatives is reportedly paying huge dividends to the regions.
The New Zealand Cycle Trail, first conceived in 2009, has generated more than $37 million for the economy, including $1.2 million for the Bay of Plenty.
According to figures from MBIE, Te Ara Ahi Thermal by Bike trail in Rotorua received 24,424 visits in 2015, generating $458,746, while Motu Trails in the Eastern Bay received 17,805 visits and generated $790,013.
In Thames-Coromandel, the Hauraki Rail Trails received 81,888 visits, generating an impressive $3,226,567 for the region.
An independent cost benefit analysis shows that for every dollar attributable to construction and maintenance of the trails, approximately $3.55 of benefits were generated.
Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key says the New Zealand Cycle Trail has been effective in attracting high-value visitors to the regions.
'Around 1.3 million people visited the 22 Great Rides in 2015,” says John.
'The majority of those were Kiwis, with international visitors making up 13.5 per cent, or 114,000 users.”
The cycle trail is an integral part of the government's tourism strategy, particularly in its ability to bring the growth in the tourism sector to the regions.
'Nearly 1300 people have been directly employed across the country. Anecdotal evidence suggests that at least 60 new businesses have been established and over 40 existing businesses have expanded their operations to service demand created by the cycle trail project,' says John.
'The rides also help keep people healthy, keep bike commuters safer and in some places they have increased the sense of community identity. The report estimates the value of these social benefits to be an additional $12 million in 2015.”
MBIE's full report is available here: http://www.mbie.govt.nz/info-services/sectors-industries/tourism/nga-haerenga-new-zealand-cycle-trail/evaluation
4 comments
bike tracks
Posted on 11-10-2016 13:19 | By Cyril2
ll well and good getting these cycle tracks, but what about the mobilty scooters on the very poor foot paths, not much thought about this I gather. Some of theses foot paths are getting very dangerous around the whole city. Come on council, give us older folks a fair go.P Louden. Greerton.
BoP Lagging
Posted on 12-10-2016 05:03 | By johnmcd03
The only town to be adversely effected by the TEL was Te Puke. At the very least it should have a cycle way connecting it to the TEL complex making it a destination town. Lots of other tracks start and finish without any cohesion. Tauranga has a lot of catching up to do to keep pace with the rest of the country.
If Only Councils Would Finish What Was Started
Posted on 12-10-2016 08:23 | By Floyd
Cycleway from Paengaroa to Kaituna Bridge, still not completed over railway line at Maketu Road and another incomplete patch outside the adjacent coolstore containing a Spark jointing pillar.From Kaituna River bridge to Papamoa still no progress by Tauranga City Council so cycle along Bell Road along with truck and trailers coming and going from Fulton Hogan's sand quarry and enjoy cows and effluent where they cross the road. Experience the rough road shoulder and potholes on the corner of the quality job constructed by Downer. Enjoy trucks moving topsoil going past whilst spreading soil on the road from their tyres.
Little importance
Posted on 12-10-2016 10:06 | By Crash test dummies
Looks to me that this whole thing is over rated and certainly costly. Then add TCC to the nix and you have blowouts all over the place.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to make a comment.