Businesses and entrepreneurs are invited to a workshop to prepare for the influx of adventure-chasing visitors as Eurobodalla becomes a mountain biking destination.
Eurobodalla Council has teamed up with Destination Southern NSW and Sapphire Coast Tourism to run two Ride Ready Workshops - one on Monday 1 May, 5.30-7.30pm at the Bay Pavilions and another at the Narooma Golf Club on Tuesday 2 May, 5.30-7.30pm.
Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher said businesses can embrace the opportunities that come with the shire's new mountain bike networks.
"It's exciting to know mountain bike riders will be coming to visit all year round," Mayor Hatcher said.
"Groups of friends will visit as well as families and keen individuals – it's such a diverse market. We'll also see Eurobodalla added to the race events calendar, attracting some top competitors and spectators.
"With Narooma Mountain Bike Club's new trails almost complete and Mogo's trails set to start opening early-2024, there's a lot of tourism-related business opportunities to jump at.
"After a big day of riding, they will be looking for a feed and place to sleep, as well as other attractions to explore."
Council's economic development manager Teresa Lever said many businesses have already booked into the workshops.
"Specialist consultants will give insight to what's happening in our region and participants can learn how they fit in to the mountain bike tourism market and ways they can benefit," Ms Lever said.
"We want to make sure that interested businesses have a clear understanding of the expectations of the market before making any investment in infrastructure or services."
Ms Lever said examples of other mountain bike destinations, their successes and failures, will be shared in the workshop.
"We want businesses to hear from the experts about ways they can make visitors' experiences the best possible," Ms Lever said.
Eurobodalla Council staff will attend the workshops to offer support to existing and start-up businesses.
Workshop bookings are limited. Secure your place at the Batemans Bay Ride Ready workshop via Eventbrite. Secure your place at the Narooma Ride Ready Workshop via Eventbrite.
