E-Bike charging stations are set for additional funding, supporting local tourism, accommodation and hospitality outlets across New Zealand.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey has opened a fund to establish e-bike charging stations for New Zealand’s Great Rides so as many tourists as possible can experience the country’s vast cycle trails first hand.
“Every year, more than one million people enjoy the Great Rides and bring with them an estimated NZD $1 billion to spend in the regions. This investment will contribute to the Government’s goal of unlocking economic growth in the regions and supporting tourism operators to deliver world-class experiences,” Doocey said.
Demand for nature-based, low-impact tourism experiences is expected to increase in the coming years, alongside the availability and popularity of e-bikes.
“We’re bringing cycle trails up-to-speed with modern and reliable e-bike infrastructure, this will help make them more accessible and more appealing to people of all ages and fitness levels.”
Doocey said that as international tourists and Kiwis seek out more environmentally conscious experiences and as e-bikes get cheaper and more advanced, the Great Rides will become even more important to New Zealand’s tourism offering and economic recovery.
The Great Rides have been an effective partnership for more than a decade between central government, local government and the local communities that host the trails.
“I have had the opportunity to experience the West Coast Wilderness Trail, as well as the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop track earlier in the year, it has been excellent to see first-hand why the Great Rides are such a drawcard for both domestic and international tourists.”
The 23 world-class trails create jobs both on the trail and in the background, support businesses such as bike hire and tour companies, and attract hospitality and accommodation services to set up alongside the trails.
Doocey said this fund will also support more economic opportunities for Great Ride providers, councils and central Government to explore.
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