Motorcycle tourism increases 15% in western Catalan region

The number of motorcycle tourists hitting the road and heading to the western region of Lleida increased by 15% in 2017. The area is a pioneer in the promotion of “motorcycle tourism" with a project specifically aimed at aficionados of the two-wheeled machines.

The Provincial Tourism Board sees a great potential in this type of tourist, with a high percentage of foreigners choosing Lleida as an alternative to the Alps, coming outside of the high season.

Especially for motorcyclists

The tourism certification which identifies establishments specialized in tourism for motorcyclists was created two and a half years ago, in the autumn of 2015. Currently there are 84 such establishments suitable for the easy riders, including 34 restaurants and around 50 places to lay one’s head after a long day on the road.

They have received special training, and have covered parking areas, as well as spaces to carry out the maintenance and cleaning of vehicles, as well as storage sites for boots and clothes.

Hit the road, Jack

The project, Mototurism Ara Lleida, establishes a guarantee system through a seal of quality  that identifies tourist accommodation with the necessary infrastructures to meet the needs of motorcyclists. To obtain the certification, those in charge of the companies must do a course with both online and face-to-face workshops on motorcycle tourism.

Motorcycle network

Ten motorcycle routes making up a total of 2,000 kilometres of road have been designed throughout the region for motorcyclists seeking to combine the freedom of the road with landscape and gastronomy. These routes can be found online at the project’s website (www.mototurisme.aralleida.com) in several different languages (Catalan, Spanish, English, French, German, and Dutch.) The establishments also recommend routes and points of interest for motorcycle tourists. This network helps strengthen the market segment.

"A network of certified companies has been created that we recommend among ourselves and we have the peace of mind of sending clients to establishments that are very well prepared to welcome," explained David Isern, owner of Cerdanya EcoResort of Prullans. "The type of roads we have, the landscape and the facilities found in the establishments make motorists leave very happy," the head of the Hotel Dom d'Organyà (Alt Urgell), Eva Margalef, stated.