Wheels in motion to study cycle tourism
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.