Cycling tourism and EuroVelo:
Economic impact, route development and coordination Jesus Freire,
[email protected] Cycling Danube Project, Final Conference Wednesday 22th March 2016
Content 1. Introduction: ECF and EuroVelo 2. Economic impact of cycling tourism in Europe 3. Development: what investments are required? 4. EuroVelo coordination 5. Concluding remarks
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.
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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EuroVelo organisation – National level ECF Board EuroVelo Council
NECC/C
Project Partners
Project Partners
EuroVelo Management Team
NECC/C
Project Partners
Project Partners
NECC/C
Project Partners
Project Partners
Project Partners
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European Parliament study of cycling tourism • Brought together all the existing information • Interesting case studies. • Identified some new aspects
€44 billion
€39.4 billion
Vs
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European Parliament study of cycling tourism Key findings: • 2.3 billion cycle tourism trips per year in Europe. • The total economic impact of cycling tourism in Europe is in excess of €44 billion per year
Potential impact of EuroVelo Once the network is complete (estimated to be 2020): • It could account for 60 million cycle tourism trips. • Generating 7 billion Euro of direct revenue per year.
Comparisons Country Germany
Estimated economic impact (billion €) 11.37
France
7.49
UK
2.83
Sweden
2.58
Netherlands
2.57
Finland
2.2
Italy
2.05
Poland
2.02
Hungary
1.9
Spain
1.6
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)
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.
What investments are required? Cycling tourists need attractive, safe and comfortable routes. But what does that mean in practice?:
What investments are required?
The needs of cycle tourists
The needs of cycle tourists
The needs of cycle tourists Complete and consistent signage
The needs of cycle tourists Good connections with public transport
The needs of cycle tourists Cycle friendly service schemes
The needs of cycle tourists Up-to-date, reliable and accessible information:
EuroVelo organisation – National level ECF Board EuroVelo Council
NECC/C
Project Partners
Project Partners
EuroVelo Management Team
NECC/C
Project Partners
Project Partners
NECC/C
Project Partners
Project Partners
Project Partners
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What does a NECC do? Mandatory tasks:
Signposting Coordination
Route Coordination
Reporting Communication
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What does a NECC do? Optional tasks: Network for services
Public transport connections
Monitoring
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EuroVelo organisation – National level ECF Board EuroVelo Council
NECC/C
Project Partners
Project Partners
EuroVelo Management Team
NECC/C
Project Partners
Project Partners
NECC/C
Project Partners
Project Partners
Project Partners
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EuroVelo National Coordination
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Ideal situation Coordination of national routes and EuroVelo routes are in the same hands and cover the whole country
European routes National routes Regional routes Local routes
Solutions for coordination • National EuroVelo Coordinators (NEC) – single organisation - temporary solution
• National EuroVelo Coordination Centers (NECCs) - consortia - permanent solution
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Members of an NECC • Public authorities (ministries, agencies etc.) responsible for transport, tourism, regional development • Public transport companies • Private enterprises (tour operators etc.) • NGO`s 29
NECC: The Netherlands
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NECC: Switzerland
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Thank you for listening! For more information
[email protected] www.eurovelo.com / www.eurovelo.org
