Accommodation providers and retailers were among some of the businesses taking part in a networking event focusing on mountain biking and cycling in Laggan yesterday (Tuesday 19 June).
As the eyes of the world are on Fort William this September when Scotland hosts the mountain bike world champions as part of Highland 2007, the day aimed to make the most of opportunities available to help businesses.
The mountain bike world championship is expected to bring around 40,000 visitors to the area including competitors from more than 45 worldwide nations.
Organised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), VisitScotland and the Forest Tourism Initiative, Tuesday's networking event for businesses aimed at generating ideas for adding value to what is available for visiting mountain bikers for now and for the future.
The event was held at Laggan Country Hotel, Laggan, by Newtonmore and included a visit to Laggan Wolftrax-Forestry Commission's off-road cycle tracks based in Strathmashie Forest.
To help businesses make the most of mountain biking, a development pack has been created and is available from local enterprise companies. The pack is full of information on business planning support, quality assurance advice and help, designed to inspire, inform and guide businesses down the trail to success, by including case studies, business ideas and marketing tips.
Fiona Paton senior development manager for tourism at HIE said: "The mountain bike world championship will draw thousands of enthusiasts from all over the globe to the Highlands. The economic and tourism benefits to the area are huge so it's important that we help businesses generate ideas for visiting mountain bikers, not only for now but for the future."
Scott Armstrong, VisitScotland Highland's area director said: "With Scotland being voted the mountain biking global superstar for the second year running we truly are a leading country in mountain biking provision.
"It is also important for tourism operators to understand how this particular market is growing and what they can do to better cater for it. This will ensure that the visitors coming to the Highlands to enjoy our mountain biking will have a great stay and help encourage them to return in the future and recommend the Highlands for mountain biking."
