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Media Release

July 18, 2005

UniSA puts wheels in motion to study cycle tourism phenomenon

UniSA business student James Hannam knows more than most about the popularity of cycling around the world – and the huge potential for cycle tourism in South Australia.

Having twice competed with TeamUniSA in the Jacob’s Creek Tour Down Under, he has seen first hand the thousands of people who come from near and far to cheer on the riders and maybe even get on a bike themselves.

“The Tour Down Under has grown in popularity every year with almost half a million people lining the route this year, and 1900 recreational riders taking part in the Be Active Tour,” he said.

“Having lived and raced in Europe for the past two seasons I have seen how cycling supporters are incredibly passionate about the sport. This passion for watching cycling and riding is starting to filter into Australia and SA has a huge potential to capitalise on it.”

In recognition of the growing popularity of cycle tourism, UniSA’s Division of Business is offering a unique PhD scholarship focusing purely on cycle tourism – its appeal, its growth potential and its benefits.

Division of Business, Dean of Research, Professor Phyllis Tharenou said the scholarship will allow someone to examine the phenomenon of cycle tourism in SA.

Prof Tharenou said the successful applicant would determine the focus of the research, but it could include how cycle tourism fits with the psyche and the culture of the state.

School of Management senior lecturer Dr Duncan Murray said the study could examine the social benefits and economic spin offs and other flow-on effects of the race on SA. There was also potential to analyse why the Tour Down Under has been so successful.

“For example, why is the South Australian public so taken with this race? Why has the Be Active Tour taken off to such a great extent?” he said.

The scholarship provides a yearly stipend of $18,837 per year for three years, starting late this year or early 2006. There is also the possibility of a $7000 top up, based on the applicant’s qualifications.

Applicants must have achieved an overall Honours 2a or equivalent in a relevant honours or masters by research degree in a relevant discipline. This could include tourism, sport and recreation management, marketing, economics, management and psychology.

Applications close on July 31, 2005.

For more information visit http://www.unisa.edu.au/resdegrees/default.asp

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