Tauranga's transport and tour business, Mount Classic Tours, has further expanded its tourism empire with the purchase of cycle tour business, DayTrippers.

Founder and Managing Director Ian Holroyd's purchase of DayTrippers totals the sixth tourism business to be brought into the Mount Classic Tours conglomeration.

"I'm proud to contribute to the Bay's cycling scene and bring more eco-travellers to the region through the DayTrippers offering. Covid-19 has hit tourism hard but we're rebuilding a better, greener tourism economy for our region," says Ian.

Tourism Bay of Plenty's Chief Executive, Kristin Dunne, says she supports the business' expansion and commitment to the region's tourism economy.

'Mount Classic Tours is a tourism stalwart and is working with us towards a regenerative tourism economy for the Coastal Bay of Plenty.

"Research has shown us that cyclists are an affluent, high-spend market well-aligned with the Coastal Bay of Plenty's tourism strategy, Te Hā Tāpoi | The Love of Tourism."

Ian says DayTrippers will target cycling enthusiasts and groups, utilising the Mount Classic Tours' large vehicle fleet previously occupied with cruise tour passengers.

"We've got some world-class tracks and multi-day trails in the Coastal Bay of Plenty and central North Island. We're excited to open up the cycling possibilities for Kiwis and Bay of Plenty locals,” said Holroyd..

"Groups can either use our specialist cycle transport and trailers or hire it themselves, plus we offer breakdown and pick up services so that cyclists can get from A to B and back home."

Ian says he's looking to partner with a local cycle hire company to expand the offering.

"I'm keen to work with the local cycling community and stakeholders to promote cycling and would love to get in touch with a local cycle hire business.

"I want to build DayTrippers up to an inclusive cycle tour service for both local and visiting cyclists who wish to hire bikes rather than provide their own. If you're in this market, please get in touch."

He says safety is a priority for the business.

"We will focus on keeping clients away from mainstream traffic routes and make the most of the growing network of cycle paths in the region."

Prior to the border closures caused by Covid-19, Mount Classic Tours focussed on cruise ship shore excursions offered across ports in New Zealand and Australia through its Shore Trips & Tours business.

Ian changed tack by first purchasing domestic group travel business Hinterland Tours in July 2020.

He started Mount Classic Tours in 2001 as a luxury and vintage Rolls Royce car hire and chauffeur business.

Mount Classic Tours also owns shore excursion business Cruise Tours Tauranga (which it purchased in September 2019), and food-lovers' culinary tour business Taste of Plenty.

"Mount Classic Tours has also given back to the local community by offering free, guided ," says Ian.

"We're offering our drivers and vehicles to any chosen cause, whether that's a trip to the shops for retirement village residents or taking a classroom of schoolkids to a conservation project.

"Our drivers couldn't work during lockdown, and people were reluctant to travel until alert level one. But now we have an opportunity to do some good in our community."

"We fully support Mount Classic Tours and all businesses that are thinking laterally in a swiftly changing tourism landscape," says Tourism Bay of Plenty Chief Executive, Kristin Dunne.

"I encourage locals to explore their backyard and support local businesses. Ian's commitment to his staff and care for his community are exemplary."