To accurately understand the economic benefits associated with ATV riding in Quebec, the Federation of Québec ATV Clubs commissioned a study. It showed that the annual benefit was estimated at $625 million.
“This study was necessary because we have not carried out any specific research on quadriceps activity and its consequences for a long time,” explains Johan Perron, director general of the Quebec Quadriceps Federation. It was important to know the economic benefits of ATV riding from a tourism perspective in each region. We operate over four seasons and we wanted to know the implications. »
Environmental protection
The figures published in the study reflect all the details by region.
“We knew, of course, that in some regions, such as Chaudière-Appalaches, Lanaudiere and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, it works very well. In some other regions, such as the North Shore and northern Quebec, there are also economic side effects that we were not aware of. The study also positioned the role of the clubs and their volunteers. Their work proves that not only are there tourism benefits, but also that quad biking is a socio-economic the lever is not only a hindrance in Quebec decor.”
According to the CEO, the activities are integrated into the decor to allow the federation and clubs to become true partners in the region. “This provides jobs and survival for many traders in the region.”
The CEO explains that riding ATVs helps protect the environment.
“The forests through which we travel on our trails must be protected to ensure the sustainability of the place. We work with municipalities, ministries and even environmental organizations to take the right measures. We follow the standards set. The square business is here to stay.”
Club trail maintenance ensures sustainable ATV riding practices and protects the environment, as stated in the press release issued.
“The Federation is the global benchmark for ATV development,” explains the CEO. We are the first Canadian federation to have our own environmental department. »
Single access
In Quebec, ATV riding is practiced all year round. The 25,000 kilometer network offers unique access to remote areas and allows you to enjoy active holidays.
“Our routes, available in summer (12,419 kilometres), winter (5,230 kilometres) and four seasons (7,416 kilometres), span the four corners of Quebec,” notes the CEO. We have partnerships with regional tourism associations to develop touring quads. In the regions of Mauricie, Chaudière-Appalachie, Lanaudière and Laurentide, our activities account for more than 10% of total tourism expenditure. ATV drivers represent a significant portion of the population in several rural areas of Quebec. »
For the leadership of the Federation, these figures indicate that the ATV is gaining popularity in a number of regions. The economic benefits to the local economy are concrete. ATV riders' expenses go towards food, lodging, grocery stores and gas stations. In all regions, ATV riding is the basis of regional recreational tourism. The proportion of ATV riders is growing everywhere.
REGIONS IN NUMBERS
In the research results mentioned below, we see the importance of the quad in each of the regions. Here are the numbers by region, number of ATV riders, trail kilometers and economic benefit.
