The Tour of Britain cycle race which blazed through North of Tyne last September boosted the local economy by more than £4.25 million, an independent report has revealed.
The world class cycling event saw an estimated 175,000 people turn out to welcome and cheer on the cyclists, giving them a fantastic north east welcome. 78 per cent of spectators came from outside the region, with 12 per cent opting to stay overnight - bringing extra income into food and accommodation providers.
Many shops, cafes, bars, hotels and restaurants along the route reported brisk business on the day.
The race saw some of the world’s top riders and teams contesting a 114-mile route starting in Berwick and finishing in Newcastle city centre after heading down the North Tyneside coast and into Wallsend.
A total of 20 teams, with 120 riders from 26 countries took part and the free-to-watch sporting spectacular shined the international spotlight on the beauty of the region, with live coverage of the race broadcast to 190 countries worldwide.
Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Norma Redfearn CBE said: “I am delighted that businesses in North Tyneside were able to really benefit from the Tour of Britain visiting our area.
“We are so lucky to be in such a beautiful part of the world, with our spectacular coastline and wonderful landmarks, and I am sure that the national and international audiences who saw what our borough has to offer when the race was broadcast will be compelled to come and pay us a visit.”
The North of Tyne Combined Authority approved a funding award of £400,000 for Northumberland County Council to bring the Tour to the region.
Economic Impact Highlights
- The Tour boosted the North of Tyne economy by £4.254 million
- Of the 175,000 visitors who came to North of Tyne, 12 percent stayed overnight with an average spend in the region of nearly £147 per group (groups based on a family of four).
- Day visitors spent an average of £74 per group.
- An impressive 52 percent said the day inspired them to take up cycling, or cycle more often in the future.
ENDS.
