A "cycle hub" accreditation programme to help holiday parks attract international and New Zealand cyclists has been launched by the Holiday Accommodation Parks Association New Zealand.
To be accredited as a cycle hub, a holiday park will have to meet simple criteria reflecting the basic requirements of cyclists. Parks will have to provide secure covered cycle storage, cycle cleaning area, information and maps on local cycling options and access to a "cycle technician".
"We see holiday parks as a great fit for the cycle touring market as we provide a range of accommodation and plenty of space for guests," the association's chief executive, Fergus Brown, of Wellington, said in a statement.
"We are targeting visitors who are enjoying the new cycle trails that have been developed all over the country and also domestic and international visitors who are mountain bikers, road cyclists and families with children who take their bikes on holiday."
Mr Brown said holiday parks offered accommodation and facilities in 305 New Zealand locations, including many of the most scenic.
Tourism Industry Association New Zealand spokeswoman Ann-Marie Johnson welcomed the move, and said it was a great example of how businesses could profit from the new cycle trails.
"It will improve the bottom lines of the holiday parks that become accredited cycle hubs, and it will give international and domestic travellers a quality accommodation option that can also take care of their cycling needs."
New Zealand cycleway market research carried out in September 2009 showed international cycle visitors spent 1.5 times more per trip compared with other international visitors, stayed twice as long and visited twice as many attractions.
