Go Train Go

How is it that a once-a-month self-titled "random, eclectic, light green blog" after 24 hours feels like a strategic, weekly imperitive?

Its when a surprise comes from no-where and reminds you that ecopraise is out there if you look for it. And that after only the 3rd blog, there is some good that can come from ecopraising, some awareness raising, promotion of great things, ideas and people.

The Toronto Bike Train marketers were in our sleepy town yesterday, and surprised about anyone who uses the word sustainability in our local newspaper, I had to investigate.

The room was full, but I didn't stay long enough to gauge the participants engagement levels. I assume many were from the NOTL B&B Association. Local organizations like Tourism Niagara and the Region of Niagara Bicycling Committee made presentations and I got a sense the increase in this kind of tourism is a refreshing light in an otherwise dark tourism tunnel, but the call was that we need to respond to the needs of this new market with great enthusiasm and foresight.

And I do wonder how many in the audience see cycling tourists as a metaphor for something larger, something transformative, dare I say it, something resembling sustainability? And will it continue to grow, can we capture these people with what we have to offer in NOTL?

The Bike Train initiative started in 2007 with a simple separate baggage car on the summer train services for bikes, and has carried over 1200 people of all ages 1-80+. To their credit, they have received several Ontario Tourism accolades. The service from Toronto to Niagara will soon be expanded to cater to Montreal, Windsor and North Bay.

Now these are the sorts of tourists we really want, the stayer, the engaged, the environmentally aware. Seems 40% of these people choose NOTL, and fewer choosing Niagara Falls. 71% of these people stay overnight, over half stay longer ! Sure beats the ice-cream lickers who come for a few hours respite from Clifton Hill.

I thought of my husbands weekend recreational cycling crew. Lots of parallels there even though their motivations are different to that of the tourist. A classic demographic to aim for though; motivated, health conscious, affluent, well educated and, well, discerning.

What would they look for if cycling into NOTL for a long weekend together, or with their families? I know what it might look like - great coffee stops, a humming, edgy, busy cafe with fresh juices to stop in for a quick bite with the kids. The parkway is a no brainer, the wineries less of a priority (and my husband is in the business!) but scenery, natural spaces, water access and local arts and food the key essentials. Do we have what it takes?

Seems Canadian data reflects my thoughts - showing 47% of cycling tourists have incomes between $60-80K, and that there are significant positive economic impacts from developing this market. And that they like eating out, canoeing, camping, hiking and theatre in order of preference.

So, what could we do to make it better? Do our tourism providers need to look proactively at sustainable tourism and sustainable transport? If we don't it could either fizzle or overrun us? Does it require an understanding of sustainability? Not neccessarily (but wouldn't it be nice.....)And are we focussing on the right things to develop a more sustainable tourist industry?

Answers in my mind are mixed. After living here a while, I might say I'd be looking for a little more, but as a 2 day stay, probably would be pretty satisfied. I have only one point of reference, some Australian friends who were ex-patting in New York several years ago found things a bit "twee", but stayed and enjoyed nonetheless.

I suppose overall it points to a first for a strategic way to encourage greener tourism and to that, only praise can be delivered.

Your thoughts?