Cycle Tourism Investment - Ride High Country

Cycle Tourism Investment - Ride High Country

Published on 21 March 2019

North East Victoria is fast becoming Australia's premier cycling destination. With an extensive rail trail, mountain and road cycling network and a high quality, extensive cycling infrastructure, the North East is attracting more cycle tourism than any other region in Victoria.

As part of the region, we're experiencing strong tourism growth. It is estimated that tourism has attracted 3.8 million visitors spending over $1.1 billion annually. Our region is experiencing strong tourism growth ahead of state and regional averages, attracting 3.8 million visitors spending over $1.1 billion annually. Cycling tourism is one of the factors driving this growth. As a result, we're responding by continuing to develop world-class cycling experiences. 

United under the ‘Ride High Country’ brand, the region is looking to innovate and diversify its tourism offering to meet the needs of cycle tourism visitors, and to enable the region to effectively support the growth of its broader tourism market.

As part of a 10-year blueprint to make our region Australia’s premier cycling tourism destination, a range of initiatives are currently underway including:

A $4 million marketing campaign to both local and international audiences. Expansion of our region’s iconic rail trails. Promoting private sector investment in complementary products and experiences. Expressions of Interest - Private Sector Investment

The Victorian Government is now inviting Expressions of Interest for unique and innovative proposals that will complement and enhance the cycle tourism experience in Victoria’s Ride High Country.

In doing so, the Government is seeking to gain an understanding of market appetite to invest in cycle tourism in the region, and identify a range of projects that will contribute to the region’s growth, through:

The creation of new and compelling cycle tourism experiences and products - Bike Hubs, services and tour operations; The adaption and development of existing sites and businesses towards a cycle tourism focus - accommodation, food and beverage; The development of new cycle tourism related infrastructure and services.

Further information on this opportunity can be found in the EOI documentation which is available for download at http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/cycle-tourism-investment