Cyclists Welcome – Tour of Britain inspires Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Tourism to create cycle campaign

www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/cyclistswelcome

Inspired by the Women's Tour of Britain recently passing through the Forest of Dean, and the upcoming Men's Tour of Britain coming to Gloucestershire, Visit Dean Wye has created Cyclists Welcome – a UK-focused advertising campaign that asks people to Find their Freedom on two wheels.

The online campaign is designed to attract visitors to the area, whether they're a family looking for an easy day out, an ebike leisure rider or a hardened MTB or road cyclist.  The thrill of discovering the world on two wheels is tough to beat and in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley it welcomes all cyclists to some of the most beautiful rides in the UK.

At the heart of the campaign is a short film that showcases awe-inspiring routes for all abilities and the friendly people who run accommodation, attraction, entertainment, food, drink and cycle-related businesses. The video is supported by two mobile-friendly and downloadable guides - a map of places to go, trails to ride, places to eat and stay.

Mark Terry-Lush, director of Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Tourism, the destination management organisation (DMO) for the area, said: “Some do it for the quiet, the freedom, the leisurely pedal. Others do it for the thrills, the speed, the jumps and drops. Cycling is one of the most popular activities in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley and there are tracks and trails for all ages and abilities.

“When we found out the Women's Tour was coming though, it was too good an opportunity to miss.  We reached out to our partner businesses and loads of them loved the idea of starring in a campaign targeting people who love to ride.  We will use the video to target people planning to come to the county to watch the Men's Tour in September - try and attract them to spend a day or longer here before or after the Tour rides through.”

The video can be found on the VisitDeanWye.co.uk website and social media channels.

Cyclists Welcome is part of Visit Dean Wye's Find Your Freedom campaign launched in May 2022.

To find out more here: www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/cyclistswelcome

ENDS

Editor's Notes

For all media enquiries, interviews, quotes, images or video, please contact Mark Terry-Lush – mark.terry-lush@visitDeanWye.co.uk - or call 07538 731 229.

A selection of new high-resolution imagery to illustrate the Freedom Awaits Experiences are available to download via WeTransfer (more images available on request) –

(Images courtesy of Visit Dean Wye https://www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/ )

OTHER VIDEO AND GUIDES LAUNCHED AS PART OF FIND YOUR FREEDOM CAMPAIGN

• Hidden Gems draws attention to lesser-known locations and interesting experiences to enjoy in and around the towns of Lydney, Coleford, Cinderford and Newent.
• Delicious Dean celebrates the fabulous flavours found across the area, shining a light on some of the best food and drink experiences and tasty local produce.
• Freedom Awaits connects visitors with nature where they can experience the magnificent surroundings of the Forest of Dean from wildlife spotting to forest bathing.
• Get Out, Get Active covers seven exhilarating experiences for adventurers, from laser tag to caving, and high ropes to cycling.
• Crafty Forest inspires visitors to express their creativity, try their hand at pottery or mosaics, or learn new culinary skills at a cookery school.

Find Your Freedom campaign is funded by Forest of Dean District Council.

About Visit Dean Wye

Visit Dean Wye is the official Destination Management Organisation (DMO) representing the interests of over 250 partner businesses operating in the visitor economy in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire and the Wye Valley in Herefordshire and Monmouthshire.

The volunteer run organisation seeks to promote the area to both domestic and international tourists and visitors. It offers a one stop shop for up-to-date information and inspiration for people looking to find more about the wild, wonderful and adventurous Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.

The website and associated social channels are a gateway to this beautiful and little-known destination, that offers travellers and visitors a wide range of opportunities to reconnect with nature and truly find their freedom.

Find out more at https://www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/

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