First businesses sign up as cycle trail partners

February 17th, 2012

The first three businesses - The Gentle Cycling Company, Cats Pjamas B&B Mapua and UBIKE Nelson - have signed up as official partners of the Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust.

The NTCTT Official Partner membership provides a path for Nelson Tasman's cycle-friendly businesses to work together to build the profile of Tasman's Great Taste Trail and the Dun Mountain Trail as part Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail.

Membership will increase turnover for businesses associated with the network and provide benefits and jobs to our communities. All of the membership fees are used by the Trust for growth and development of local trails, associated maps and marketing activity. (See our earlier story here).

Owner Lis Pedersen says Cats Pjamas is ideally suited for people on cycling holidays "because of our existing set-up and love of cycling. So it was with great joy that we learned of Tasman's Great Taste Trail concept.

"We're excited at the potential for this wonderful asset in our region. It's going to showcase our spectacular nature, villages, artists and cafes in a 'slow food' kind of way, to a whole new audience. It's a privilege to be involved from the beginning and we're looking forward to working with like-minded people to provide an exceptional experience for our cycling visitors."

As the Trust continues to develop its marketing and promotional collateral, member businesses will be showcased and promoted. The Trust has had keen interest from cycle businesses, the food and beverage industry and a number of local tourism ventures.

NTCTT executive Fiona Newey says: "We need the involvement of a diverse range of services including accommodation, transport, bike hire, cycle repair, food, beverages, and activities for when visitors to our cycle trails are not cycling."

Official partners are required to pay an annual fee and meet certain standards, but in return get the benefits of official credibility, use of official signage, promotion on local and national cycle NZ tourism websites, access to TRENZ, the international travel trade expo, social media support, inclusion in our Food & Beverage Cycle Trail Passport, and position priority in the brochure, plus a 'mentoring association' with other members to enhance package deal collaboration and oversee standards. "Trail users will expect a high level of customer service and a warm welcome," says Fiona.

The Gentle Cycling Company owner Rose Griffin says, "Joining the Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust Official Partner Programme was a must-do for us. Our gentle cyclists are already enjoying the first section of trail from Stoke out into the Waimea Plains, exploring the wineries, craft breweries and cafes in this area.

"Future extensions of Tasman's Great Taste Trail will open up a range of multi-day options which will appeal to cyclists looking for tasty multi-day rides on easy, off-road trails.

"Now in our third summer of gentle cycling, it has been exciting to experience the development of Tasman's Great Taste Trail, which is set to become a great reason to get on a bike in the Nelson area."

Fiona says what is really exciting is the ability to tap into the huge network of cycle-friendly businesses in the Nelson Tasman region to ensure guests receive a memorable experience. "Businesses can collaborate with these energetic, passionate and like minded people through the Official Partner programme, all working hard to attract more tourists to the region."

>> , to be added to the page. [If this link doesn't work, use this form instead]

[ Return ]
[ Other news articles ]

We wish to thank these local community-minded businesses who generously sponsor our site. They recognise the value of supporting this community asset, and in return Motueka Online is pleased to use and recommend their services whenever appropriate.

Ray White Motueka, Parkes Automotive, Motueka Floral Studio, Nelson Building Society, House of Travel