Media Release: Richmond 2015 Establishes Travel Office (from Richmond 2015)
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Register your interest in our Richmond 2015 packages here.
Richmond 2015 Establishes ÔTravel OfficeÕ
Richmond Prepares to Host WorldÕs Best Cyclists, Fans from All Over the Globe
Public Encouraged to Sign Up Now; Detailed Packages to be Released in August
RICHMOND, Va., June 30, 2014 Ð Richmond 2015, the organizer of the 2015 UCI Road World Championships, today announces the formation of a ÒTravel OfficeÓ that will enable the organization to meet the travel needs of the worldÕs premier cyclists and cycling fans from all over the globe who will descend on Richmond for the nine-day event in September 2015. The public is encouraged to visit (LINK) and reserve their spot in line. Richmond 2015 will announce additional details and complete travel packages in August, 2014.Ê
Through a partnership with Mummu Sport, a global sports and entertainment firm based in Australia, the Richmond 2015 Travel Office will help coordinate all the travel logistics for the more than 1,000 cyclists, team members and officials. In addition, Richmond 2015 and Mummu Sport have selected three Official Travel Agents (OTAs), which will be responsible for creating various fan packages that mix cycling and tourism with the World Championships, regarded as one of cyclingÕs premier annual events.
ÒThis model has its roots in major international sporting events such as the Olympics and FIFA World Cup,Ó said Tim Miller, chief operating officer of Richmond 2015. ÒWeÕre excited that our Travel Office will mark the first time it will be used for the UCI Road World Championships and see it as the best way to showcase Richmond and Virginia to the rest of the world.Ó
Fan packages offered by the OTAs will allow cycling enthusiasts visiting Richmond access to experiences during and outside race times. Not only will the packages feature competitive airfare and accommodations, but they also could include exclusive opportunities for fans to ride portions of the courses or enjoy other rides throughout Virginia, take advantage of restricted access event seating and hospitality and embrace the culture of Richmond and surrounding areas. In addition, a number of Fan Packages will be available for local and regional fans which do not include airfares and accommodation but will still allow fans to experience the thrill of Richmond 2015.
So far, the selected OTAs, which cover all corners of the globe and will begin offering fan packages on August, include:
- Custom Getaways Ð a leading U.S. Tour Operator based in Florida that specializes in sporting trips in general and cycling trips in particular, including as an Official Tour Operator of the Tour de France.
- Flight Centre Active Travel Ð an Australia-based division of the Flight Centre Travel Group, which is one of the largest travel agencies in the world with company-owned operations in 11 countries and a travel management network that spans more than 75 countries.
- STA Travel Ð a global travel agency that caters to students and young adults that operates in more than 75 countries.
ÒTo launch the first global Travel Office and OTA program at a UCI World Championship event with three of the worldÕs most respected and high performing travel agencies is a credit to the organizing committee and the incredible event they have started to create for the sport of cycling and cycling fans throughout the world,Ó said Marcel Berger, Executive Director of Mummu Sport.Ê
Christ Tardy of Custom Getaways said, “Custom Getaways is thrilled to be an Official Travel Agent for what will undoubtedly be the most significant cycling event in North America in a generation. As one of a select group of operators able to offer VIP access and a world class end to end experience for cycling fans, especially those from the USA, is in equal measure an exciting challenge and an honor. Custom Getaways is looking forward to setting a new benchmark for US cycling fans and launching our package in August, 2014.” Ê
Speaking about the announcement, Shannon Stacey of Flight Centre Active Travel said, ÒCycling has been a central pillar of Flight Centre Active Travel and to be an OTA at the first UCI World Championship event featuring an OTA model is in keeping with our commitment to the sport of cycling. Flight Centre Active Travel has been impressed with the plans and professionalism of the Richmond 2015 event team and have confidence that starting in August, cycling fans booking and traveling with us from the Asia Pacific region will enjoy a unique and truly special sporting and travel experience.Ó
STA TravelÕs Business Development Director, Ian Swain, added, “Richmond 2015 will mark a turning point in the global development of cycling. As a leading global travel operator, STA Travel is honoured to be an OTA for the Richmond 2015 World Road Cycling Championships and the spectacular event planned for 2015. To know that STA Travel is one of the few official places fans can gain access to the best hotels, official hospitality, behind the scenes opportunities, official functions and once in a lifetime experiences, energises our organization.Ó
Register your interest in our Richmond 2015 packages here.
Contacts:
Paul Shanks/Richmond 2015
paul@richmond2015.org/804.788.5827
Sean Ryan/The Hodges Partnership
sryan@hodgespart.com/804.344.3212
