Every year, the global adventure tourism industry continues to go from strength to strength.
Mountain bike tourists play a significant role in this growth, contributing millions of pounds to the Scottish economy.
In 2016, adventure tourism's global value was already estimated to be a staggering $444.85bn.
And with this figure projected to climb to $1,335bn in 2023, investing in this lucrative sector is already appealing to hospitality and leisure companies all over the world.
Mountain bike tourists play a vital part in these figures. In 2015, in Scotland alone, MTB visitors contributed £105m to the Scottish economy.
The time is right for Scottish businesses to start taking advantage of this opportunity. By enhancing the experience of national and international mountain bike visitors and giving them a world-class welcome, we'll ensure that they want to stay longer and return for more adventures.
Projected value of adventure tourism globally in 2023
Allied Market Resarch - ‘Adventure Tourism Market by Type, Activity, Type of Traveler, Age Group, and Sales Channel: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2017-2023’, January 2018
Estimated number of bikes sold per year in Europe by 2030 (More than twice the number of passenger cars currently registered per year in the EU
Cycling Industries Europe - ‘New European Cycling Industry Forecast Shows Huge Growth in Bike and E-Bike Sales’, 2 December 2020
Estimated global market for bike products by 2025
Fortune Business Insights - ‘Bicycle Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Road, Mountain, Hybrid and Others), Technology (Electric and Conventional, End-User (Men, Women, and Kids), and Regional Forecast 2020-2027’, December 2020
Mountain biking’s contribution to the Scottish economy in 2015
Frontline Ltd Report – ‘Estimating the Holistic Value of Scotland’s Mountain Bike Sector’, November 2016
With strategic investment and support, mountain biking’s estimated contribution to the Scottish economy as of 2025
Frontline Ltd Report – ‘Estimating the Holistic Value of Scotland’s Mountain Bike Sector’, November 2016
Economic contribution of mountain biking tourism, at a Scottish level, to overall GVA or GDP associated with day and overnight visitor spending (To compare, golf contributes 3.2%)
Scottish Government - ‘Tourism in Scotland: the economic contribution of the sector’, 24 April 2018
(https://www.gov.scot/publicati...)
Bed/Nights per annum
Great Britain Tourism Survey (GBTS) 2017-2019 average of Domestic Overnight Trips to/in Scotland Involving Cycling and Mountain Biking
Scotland is already a popular choice for tourists for many reasons. By building on its strengths, we believe Scotland can be positioned as the first-choice destination for both national and international mountain bike tourists.
As part of a more comprehensive strategy for developing mountain biking in Scotland, two premier mountain biking destinations - one at either end of the country - will act as a powerful draw. This will create destinations as compelling as Hawaii for surfers or the Alps for skiers and snowboarders.
To the North, Fort William & Lochaber is a favoured mountain bike destination that has hosted the UCI Downhill World Cup since 2002. To the South, the Tweed Valley’s new trail developments and combined Bike Park/Innovation Hub provides a strategic location close to Scotland’s busiest airport in Edinburgh.
By continuing to invest in world-class infrastructure and trails within these areas, these two key destinations can provide the necessary gateways for mountain bike tourists to explore other destinations all over Scotland - resulting in extended stays and return visits.
The interest and activity generated by these two ‘premier destinations’ will cascade down to four ‘priority destinations’ - Dumfries & Galloway, Perthshire, Cairngorms, and the North of Scotland - as well as two ‘emerging destinations’ - Glasgow/Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and Aberdeenshire.
With the aim of growing interest and participation in mountain biking, DMBinS works on several strategic projects all over Scotland.
A strategy for a nation, the Scottish MTB Strategy 2019-2025 was developed to realise our vision of becoming Europe's premier MTB destination.
Amateurs and elite riders (and around 1 million spectators) will travel to Glasgow in August 2023 to participate in the biggest cycling event ever.
With breathtaking natural scenery and some of the best mountain bike trails in the world, Scotland is primed to become Europe's premier destination for mountain biking.
Whether you already cater to mountain bikers, or you have no idea where to start, our advice sections cover everything from bike storage to washing facilities.
Want to find out more about mountain biking in Scotland? Our diverse range of MTB resources, including guides and downloadable media, will get you on the right track.
With its genuine passion and relentless commitment, Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) is 'The Voice for Scottish Mountain Biking'.
Our handy questionnaire allows you to quickly evaluate how you currently cater to MTB tourists, while identifying any gaps and the opportunities that may help enhance your offering.
