Hello and welcome to the Perfuro Gear Blog during these unusual times of 2020. This week I have contacted a number of cycling tour operators to get an idea of their business and what to expect when you book a tour with them and also how the Covid19 virus has affected their business and what they are doing to keep their business going forward in these trying times. I have spoken to a number of tour operators, and I will make separate blogs as they are all worthy of some promotion as well.
Recently I have had a great talk with Marco Mori who is the owner of Gusto Cycling in Tuscany, ITALY. Please make sure you have a look at the VIDEO .
"Gusto is Italian for taste" and so Marco designs tours that immerse you in the Italian culture and cuisine. You can bet that after his planned day of cycling, you have earned a good meal and a lovely wine to go with it. His tours are mostly self-guided, but can he also caters for guided tours, that extend into the North or the South of Tuscany which can be day tours or travel on a circuit for up to a week staying in a different location daily.
On booking the tour which can cater for individuals to groups, Marco is in contact with you to determine what you would like to get out of the tour and also to understand your fitness level so that he can tailor-make an experience for you and/or your group.
He uses software called Ride with GPS in which you download to your device and he sends you the pre-planned route. The route includes stop off and restaurant suggestions along the way and of course your next hotel stay which is booked in advance. The software runs of GPS data, so you do not spend the data on your device. The application has fully functional visual and audio directions to guide you on your way.
Both directions have different outlooks into the Italian countryside and culture and are surely not to be missed.
The Corona Virus or COVID19 as it is known has certainly left its mark on the tourism industry and Marco has also been greatly affected. In some respects, he has some luck on his side as March is still the winter months and so the season for cycling and tourism has not yet started, it starts from Easter usually. However, while the rest of this year is unknown, it is not likely that any booking will be made until some confidence comes back into our lives and we are allowed to move freely about. Gusto Cycling mainly caters for international travellers and so while airlines are not operating and local restrictions are in place for locals and foreigners, it looks like that this year may well have limited custom and we look to next year.
In the meantime, Marco will be having a look at his marketing, updating his social media and website. He plans to detail his tours more visually by getting more photography done so that he can show you the stunning destinations you will visit on your tour.
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