As great promoters of cycle tourism in Australia, we are proud to show our full support for the construction of the Wagga Wagga to Ladysmith Rail Trail as part of the greater Riverina Highlands Rail Trail. Our General Manager Kate Baker has written the below letter of support. If you would also like to share your support of this project, please visit https://www.railtrails.org.au/2021/924-show-your-support-for-rail-trails-in-wagga-wagga.

 

 

I work with Australian Cycle Tours, a company that provides self guided cycle tours throughout Australia (www.australiancycletours.com.au) and part of the World Expeditions Travel Group.  I would like to express my support for the development of the Wagga to Ladysmith Rail Trail. If this project proceeds, we will promote a self-guided cycle tour along the route. With both ends of the Riverina Highlands rail trail complete, including the Tumbarumba end, there will be cycling opportunities between on relatively quiet roads.
 

Cycle tourism is a long standing passion of mine. I have seen the benefits that cycle tourism brings in Europe to small towns and regional areas through my experience of managing the UTracks brand. Regions such as Northern Spain have flourished economically through tourism from walkers and cyclists. Closer to home, the Otago Rail Trail in New Zealand is a prime example of a regional area that has benefited enormously from cycle tourism. Our sister company, Trail Journeys, is a leading provider of self-guided cycling holidays on the Otago Rail Trail. Over 20,000 people cycle along the Otago Rail Trail each year.

Cyclists stay the night in small towns and their spending is significantly more than those tourists in cars who are less likely to stay the night in a hotel and have dinner at a local restaurant. In turn, cyclists learn more of the history of the region and get a greater sense of the culture.
 

I am very keen on the proposal to build an off-road recreational trail for cyclists, runners, walkers and others along the disused rail corridor to proceed for the above reasons. It will offer a safe opportunity for recreation to residents in all the communities from Wagga to Ladysmith. More importantly, it will bring a new stream of tourists to the towns and villages along the route, which will benefit local communities in many ways.
 

I urge you to show your support for the project by voting to give your in-principle support to the development of rail trails in the Wagga Wagga LGA at the Council meeting on Monday 26th July.
 
Best wishes,
Kate Baker
World Expeditions Travel Group

 

>> If you would also like to share your support of this project, please visit: https://www.railtrails.org.au/2021/924-show-your-support-for-rail-trails-in-wagga-wagga.
 

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