Current & Recent Projects - Northern Ireland

NITB Island of Ireland Review 2009 and 2007

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board appointed TTC to undertake a review of barriers to tourism in Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland and Domestic markets. TTC worked with Behaviour & Attitude Research to understand the issues relating to holidaying in Northern Ireland that impact on performance in each market. Focus groups formed an important part of the approach to get insight into consumers mind sets. The review also considered the competitive position in each marketplace and aimed to provide an effective approach to achieving success for the industry. The review was first carried out in 2007 and led to a major change in approach in these markets. A further review was carried out in 2009.

NITB Tourism Statistics Review

TTC has completed a major review of tourism statistics in Northern Ireland for NITB and DETI. The review examined the methodology of existing statistical surveys and proposed some changes. It also considered the position of Tourism Satellite Accounts for Northern Ireland and made recommendations in relation to these and to economic impact.

Cultural Tourism Visitor Management Plan, Belfast City Council

TTC worked with Willie Miller Urban Design from Glasgow and g2 design from Moira have been appointed by BCC to prepare this important plan that is a keystone of its Cultural Tourism Strategy. The Plan provides a detailed approach to visitor management related in particular to signage and interpretation. Focus is placed particularly on the City Centre and Cathedral and Queens Quarters. Belfast City Council secured EU Peace funding of some £0.75M to implement the plan and TTC is working with the council and its contractors in the implementation process. In 2006/7 TTC expanded the coverage of the Plan to North, West, East and the Shankill areas of the city

Visitor Servicing Strategy for Armagh and Newry & Mourne

TTC was commissioned by Armagh C&DC and Newry & Mourne DC to undertake a Visitor Servicing Strategy for the districts in line with the NITB VSS Manual prepared by TTC. The recommendations of the report have been accepted and the implementation process is beginning. In addition to the strategy TTC also prepared product strategies for walking, angling, cycling and caravanning.

North West Air Access Consortium

TTC prepared a Marketing Support Scheme for route development at City of Derry Airport for the cross border North West Air Access Consortium. The scheme was designed to be fully compliant with EU rules and with government requirements in relation to support systems.