Can Tourism Help Small Communities?

Here are a few thoughts and observations regarding the effects of tourism on small communities after having just ridden the Alps to Ocean Cycleway.

The Alps to Ocean Cycleway is one of New Zealand’s Great Rides. It starts at either Aoraki/Mt. Cook or at Tekapo. Over the following days of riding, the trail descends to the small coastal city of Oamaru. There are many changes in scenery and landform. As you get closer to the coast, the route works its way from the Southern Alps, through high country Merino sheep stations, alongside hydro lakes, through vineyards and on to lush pastures with dairy cows. Small towns are dotted along the way, providing accommodation, meals, coffee, and sometimes a cold beer at a country pub.

Years ago, I rode the original Granddaddy cycle trail, the Otago Central Rail Trail. That must have been the best part of twenty years back. Even then, I noticed the economic life the trail had brought to small rural communities that were declining, if not dying. I was interested to see if the same thing was happening to the smaller communities on the Alps to Ocean.

Many small rural towns in New Zealand struggle with population loss and a lack of opportunities for those who remain. The industrialisation of agriculture has also had an effect, with farm amalgamations meaning fewer farm workers are required. The exception to this is in areas with dairy conversions or plantings of vineyards or other horticultural crops.

How did I do my research?

I talked to people and asked them how the cycleway had affected their businesses and towns. Maybe not that scientific a study, but I think what I heard would be backed up by more in depth analysis. Hence the following are generalisations.

Seasonality – it appears that most of the traffic on the trail came through from December to early May. This fits in with weather patterns generally being the most settled at this time. Many, more niche accommodation places, closed for the winter, especially in areas that did not have winter activities such as skiing. Our accommodation was split roughly in half, with some being niche and some nice motels, with the latter tending to be in bigger towns.

Staffing – a common refrain was the difficulty in getting staff. A surprising number of people behind the counter were foreigners, even in little places like Kurow. This has to be considered a good thing as the locals are most likely fully employed. I do know that many retirees are working a few days a week to help out, and from the feedback I heard, loving it.

Economic – this is a guess only. However, the towns seemed to have a friendly vibe, with few empty buildings or signs of decay. The accommodation places we stayed at told me that cyclists on the trail were a significant part of their business, and I got the impression that without the riders, they would struggle or even close. Restaurants and Cafes seemed to be doing a steady trade.

Support components – in this category, I include the likes of Cycle Journeys, who did a great job putting our package together and moving our gear daily from place to place. Without the trail, they would not, of course, exist. Many of their staff were also retirees who worked part-time and, as noted above, seemed to really enjoy meeting people and helping them out.

Environmental impact – I would think cycle trails would have a much lower environmental impact than many other activities offered to travellers. Once the trail is built, there is only routine maintenance required. There are, of course, shuttle vehicles moving bikes, people and gear, but I think the impact of these would be minimal compared to scenic flights or jet boat rides.

Riding the Alps to Ocean was a great experience and one I highly recommend: the places, scenery, and people. Of course, we are now wondering, what is the next trail that is calling?

Brian Megaw