Ciclismo Classico on first-ever National Bike Summit Panel on Tourism

Lauren Hefferon, Founder and CEO of bicycle tour company Ciclismo Classico, is honored to announce she will be a panelist at the first-ever National Bike Summit Panel on Tourism during the National Bike Summit being held March 9 – 11, 2010 in Washington D.C. Ms. Hefferon and the Panel on Tourism will explore ‘How Tourism Can Help Transform Cycling in America.’ Lauren will address the impact and allure of bicycle tourism and specifically how tourism changes the attitude of communities, and how bike tours bring sustainable tourism to regions. To learn more about Ciclismo Classico and Lauren’s thoughts on the Summit go to www.CiclismoClassico.com.Speaking to over 500 bicycling advocates and state delegates, Lauren and this National Bike Summit Panel on Tourism will address the fact that tourism is one of the largest industries in many cities, states and regions. The panel will discuss how bicycle friendly communities are not only great for their residents but also become tourism friendly communities with an opportunity to market their “cycling attractiveness” to increase leisure, convention, event and business tourism. This panel will give attendees ideas on how cycling advocates and bicycle dealers can partner with regional tourism authorities, tour operators and tourism vendors, such as hotels and restaurants, to play an active role in the tourism vision for the destination and to increase and improve ridership, infrastructure, and travel dollars for their communities.“Bicycling is my hobby, my business and my politics,” said Lauren Hefferon of Ciclismo Classico. “I have witnessed how cycling can transform people and places and I look forward to being the first representative of a bicycle touring company to be invited to share my experience and passion with delegates and advocates from across the country.”In addition to Lauren Hefferon of Ciclismo Classico; the panel will include: Jim Sayer of the Adventure Cycling Association addressing the key ingredients of bicycle travel, and Kristin Dahl of Travel Oregon presenting a bicycle tourism case study. The moderator of the panel will be Todd Copley of Summit Travel Consulting.2010 marks the 10th year that the League of American Bicyclists has organized the National Bike Summit where advocates, industry executives and education experts gather from across the country to speak-up for bicycling on Capitol Hill.The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America's 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.As a specialized boutique bicycle tour operator since 1988, Ciclismo Classico provides the most authentic, unique and exciting vacations in the adventure travel industry. Their well-crafted, award-winning educational trips in Europe, South America, New Zealand, Asia and New England are active immersions into local art, language, music, folklore and delicious cuisine. By combining legendary service and rare cultural experiences, the Ciclismo travel experience continues to energize and transform each and every guest. For more information about Ciclismo Classico, visit www.ciclismoclassico.com.