Donaldson praises Rotorua's biking credentials to Aussies

Deputy mayor Dave Donaldson's keynote address at the Australian Mountain Bike Summit has generated a new wave of interest in Rotorua as a world class mountain biking destination.

Mr Donaldson said his speech to summit delegates at the resort town of Mount Buller in Victoria was excellent timing for spreading the word about Rotorua and coming biking events.

"Interest in Rotorua from among Australia's mountain biking fraternity is massive and still growing. We're seen as a 'bucket-list' mountain biking destination - certainly the southern hemisphere's premier year-round mountain biking resort, and right up there with the very best in the world.

"Many of the delegates I spoke to have already tasted Rotorua's mountain bike offering and, having become real advocates, want to come back to experience new product on offer. Others who are yet to enjoy our trails first-hand told me they're now sold on making a special trip across the ditch to try Rotorua themselves."

Mr Donaldson said he felt proud to be invited to speak on behalf of the Rotorua community to the movers and shakers of Australia's mountain biking sector and delegates from other countries."I was also interviewed by Bike Exchange, the official online media partner of Australia's Orica Green Edge cycling team.

"Rotorua should feel immensely satisfied that its trails and facilities are held in such high esteem."

Mr Donaldson's address at the summit was on 'Rotorua - building a world-class MTB destination.'

"In my speech I reinforced the vital point about much of Rotorua's success coming down to genuine partnerships.

"I specifically referenced the hard work and cooperation of our local clubs and volunteers, and the support and collaboration of iwi, forest managers, biking operators, the visitor industry, our council and central government," he said.

"Those partnerships and the major international events we've delivered, combined with Rotorua's outstanding and unique natural environment, are part of a magic formula contributing to Rotorua's growing international mountain biking reputation."

Mr Donaldson's costs for attending the Australian Mountain Bike Summit were covered by the event's organisers.