Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive

The Challenge

To create and annually deliver an iconic tourism focused cycling event to generate an economic benefit to the Causeway Coast and Glens.

The Role

To successfully deliver and promote the Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive on an annual basis. This non-competitive, mass participation cycling event is based in Ballycastle, utilising the scenic roads along the Causeway Coast and through the Glens of Antrim. Our delivery of this event has included:

• Creation of the Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive brand, consumer website and associated digital channels
  • Delivery of annual multi-channel marketing campaign
  • Securing commercial sponsors
  • Ensuring organisation of all event logistics

 

The Results

Due to our proactive promotion and professional delivery this annual event has grown to become one of the mainstays of the Irish Sportive Calendar generating £1.5 million direct economic impact to the Causeway Coast and Glens area (2011-2017) as well as:
• 1,201 participants per year (average 2011-2019)
• 38% of participants came from outside Northern Ireland
• £1.5 million equivalent advertising value of PR generated (2011-2019)

 

Testimonial

“The Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive helped us to meet the outdoor recreation objectives in the Council’s tourism strategy. The Sportive received tourism event funding from the council and the benefits far outweighed the financial support!. The Sportive would not have happened without Outdoor Recreation NI at the helm and the team has been great to work with. We are delighted to support the Sportive and hope the event will continue to grow in the years to come”.
Kerrie McGonigle, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council

“September is traditionally a quieter time for our guest house, but as a result of the Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive we are now fully booked during the annual event, doubling our normal occupancy rates for the period. The Sportive creates a festive atmosphere in the town as some participants bring along their families for a day out.  Many of our Sportive guests also return at a future date with their families or on group cycle trips, so it generates bed nights at other times too. The Sportive helps to put Ballycastle on the map for visitors from all over Ireland and further afield”.

Berkeley White, An Caislean (Ballycastle Guesthouse)

 

The Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive is largely self-funded through competitors’ entry fees however it has received previous funding from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Tourism Northern Ireland.

The mechanical support for 2020 is McConvey Cycles.

Further in-kind support has been provided by a range of sponsors including:
Tayto, High5, Valeo Foods, NI Water, and Muller Rice. 

 

 

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