The Bay of Plenty's growing reputation as a world-class mountain biking destination has resulted in an invitation for Rotorua deputy mayor Dave Donaldson to be keynote speaker at the 2015 Australian Mountain Bike Summit next month.

Australia's second annual mountain bike summit is being staged in the resort town of Mount Buller in Victoria on December 7-8, with operators from across Australia and other countries attending.

The Bay's reputation as a world-class mountain biking destination is growing. Photo: File.

Dave sayshis invitation was recognition of the enviable reputation the Bay has built as the world's best year-round mountain biking destination.

'Aussies are prominent among the hordes of overseas mountain bikers hitting Rotorua's trails on a regular basis,” says Dave, 'so this event provides an opportunity to further promote Rotorua and attract even more.

'It's a huge compliment to Rotorua, to its biking clubs and volunteers, bike operators and our local visitor industry that the movers and shakers of Australian mountain biking want to hear our unique story.

'They've asked that my key note address be on 'Rotorua – building a world-class MTB destination,” which is acknowledgement of what we've achieved here in recent years.

'I'll be sharing with delegates how we've been able to develop an impressive network of trails and associated facilities, how we became the New Zealand Centre of Mountain Biking Excellence and how we achieved Gold Ride Centre status from the International Mountain Biking Association.

'I'll also be talking about how innovative partnerships - with the council, iwi landowners, forest managers, mountain bikers, business and central government - have helped get us to where we are today.

'We already have the advantage of being blessed with an outstanding and unique environment for mountain biking at all levels.

Dave's airfares and all travel costs to attend the Australian Mountain Bike Summit are being met by the event's organisers.