Latest Company News
YEAR END REVIEW - ITIC
January 2012
The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) has published its year end report for 2011 and looked into 2012. TTC is pleased to have provided a range of analysis and inputs for this review. The review may be found here at http://itic.ie/YE11/index.html There are many optimmistic features in this overview and hence its title '2011- A Year of Positive Change'.
SPERRINS MARKETING REVIEW
December 2011
TTC has been appointed by Sperrins Tourism Ltd to undertake an independent evaluation of the 'Marketing the Sperrins' programme funded for two years under the Rural Development Programme. The Sperrins crosses two RDP clusters - ARC and SWARD. The programme finishes in July 2013 when TTC will complete the ongoing evaluation of the stages of the project.
NEW DIRECTIONS FOR TOURISM IN THE WEST
November 2011
Over the past decade or more, the western seaboard has been attracting a decreasing share of holiday visitors to Ireland. The decline in the number of visits and bednights spent between Donegal and Cork has meant a loss of employment and economic benefits to areas of the country with few alternative industries. TTC was commissioned to prepare a report based on analysis and in-depth engagement of stakeholders along the western seaboard. The report concluded that greater innovation is urgently needed to attract more overseas visitors to the west of Ireland, if the trend of fewer holidaymakers going west is to be reversed. The report is now published by ITIC and available at:
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TOURIST GUIDING TRAINING - MEATH
October 2011
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TTC has been appointed by Meath Partnership to provide a local tour guide training course targeted at the rural areas of the county. This follows the successful delivery of a similar course for Cavan Monaghan Leader earlier in the year covering the Marble Arch Geopark area.
The Meath course will run through the months of October and November.
TOURIST GUIDING TRAINING - LOUTH
September 2011
TTC has been appointed by Louth Leader Partnership to provide a local tour guide training course targeted at the rural areas of the county. This follows the successful delivery of a similar course for Cavan Monaghan Leader earlier in the year covering the Marble Arch Geopark area.
The Louth course will run through the months of October and November.
TOURISM IN THE WEST
July 2011
TTC has been appointed by ITIC - the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation - to undertake a review of the underperformance of tourism in the West of Ireland. The last 10 years have seen an inexorable decline in visits and spend in what was Ireland's dramatic tourism highpoint. ITIC wishes a fundamental re-assessment of both the potential and the barriers to attracting more tourists to the western seaboard from Donegal to Cork. Details of the project may be found on http://tourismopportunity.ning.com
where views may be expressed and comments made.
The review is due for completion in September.
IAN HENDERSON APPOINTED TO INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF TOURISM & TRAVEL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
June 2011
Ian Henderson - Managing Partner UK ot TTC International was appointed to the Internaional Board of TTRA - the Travel & Tourism Research Association - at its Annual Meeting in London, Ontario.
Ian is Secretary of the European Chapter of TTRA. His appointment to the Internaional Board follows that some years ago of TTC's Managing Director - Noel Sweeney - who was the first overseas director appointed to TTRA and subsequently became Chairman and President.
HOW MUCH DOES REGULATION ADD TO THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS?
MAY 2011
Fáilte Ireland has recently commissioned an examination of the ‘regulatory burden’ on businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors. State regulations result in compliance and administrative costs for businesses, as well as impacting efficiency. The range of EU and national regulations can in some instances not only add to the cost of doing business but also impede expansion and development.
The purpose of the study is to identify, analyse and report on the state imposed costs, and to make recommendation and where relevant suggest changes. A particular focus of the investigation is looking at how the costs of regulation and state provided services in Ireland, as well as at how the application and enforcement of selected European regulations/directives, differ from other countries.
TTC, in conjunction Jim Power Economics Limited, successfully tendered for and was awarded the project which will be completed by August 2011.
BELFAST TOURISM STRATEGY LAUNCH
MARCH 2011
After a year's consultation across the whole city the Belfast Integrated Strategic Tourism Framework was launched at Belfast's Waterfront Hall on 30 March. This is the blueprint for the development of tourism in Belfast over the next decade and it aims to ensure that tourism is fully embedded in all the strategic decisions taken about the future growth and direction of the city. TTC led the team which prepared the strategic framework. The Main Report and Executive Summary are published by Belfast City Council and may be found here: http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/tourism/tourismstrategy2010.asp
TOURISM STATISTICS REVIEW
FEBRUARY 2011
The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation commissioned TTC to undertake a review of Irish Tourism Statistics following issues relating to the availability of monthly data. TTC received full co-operation from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland in the assignment. The review included a survey of industry use as well as comparisons with other countries. It also examined the state of the Tourism Satellite Account and the implications of the revised EU Tourism Statistics Directive which will lead to data becoming available on day visitors.
TOURISM OPPORTUNITY
JANUARY 2011
The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation commissioned TTC and Jim Power Economics to prepare a turnarouind plan for the industry - to help catch up on the losses suffered in recent years. The plan has introductions from Chambers Ireland; IBEC and IHF - indicating the common sense of purpose surrounding the issue.
The Tourism Opportunity Plan has its own dedicated website which may be found here http://www.tourismopportunity.ie/ . Link to the Tourism Opportunity website to hear Noel Sweeney and Jim Power discuss this important report.
SELLING IRELAND OVERSEAS
NOVEMBER 2010
Noel Sweeney was the keynote speaker at Fáilte Ireland’s recent conference on Selling Ireland Overseas held at the CCD on November 1st. The event, attended by over 240 industry personnel from around the country was a practical seminar for service providers wishing to improve their penetration of Ireland’s top overseas source markets. Trade executives from provided practical advice on how to sell into the British, US, German and French markets.
Noel focussed on the outlook for outbound travel from overseas markets over the coming 2 to 3 years, the trends in each market and the opportunities for Ireland and its tourism product providers.
See Fáilte Ireland's story on the conference at: http://www.ezine.failteireland.ie/
DESTINATION SOUTH EAST
NOVEMBER 2010
TTC in association with StudioRichards has been appointed by Fáilte Ireland to develop a Strategic Plan and work programme for 2011-2013 for Ireland's South East region. The region embraces Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford as its three key destinations. The work involves the development of a marketing plan and a brand strategy for the South East. Several major workshops will be held across the region and the work will be completed early in 2011.
TOUR GUIDING ACCREDITATION
OCTOBER 2010
TTC has been appointed by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to undertake a study in relation to the regulations, accreditation and quality assurance facing the guiding industry in Northern Ireland. The work involves a skills audit of the sector followed by the development of an accreditaion framework and an equivalency report. The objective is to have a career development framwork put in place over the coming years. The work is due for completion in February 2011.
SAINT PATRICKS WAY
SEPTEMBER 2010
TTC - in association with Countrywise Consultants - has been appointed to develop a waymarking startegy for the proposed St Patrick's Way. This potential Pilgrimage Route will run from Downpatrick to Armagh using a mixture of off road and on road walking. The strategy will address route marking, wayfinding and access to the route from within the key towns. This follows TTC and Countrywise's feasibility study of 2009 into a pilgrimage route running from Downpatrick to Croagh Padraig in the west of Ireland.
TOURISM CRISIS MANAGEMENT LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP
AUGUST 2010
Ian Henderson has been invited to speak at the Tourism Crisis Management Leadership Workshop run by the University of Florida's Tourism Crisis Management Institute, October 19-20 - in Gainesville, Florida. The workshop aims to assist industry leaders in preparing for the next - usually unforeseen crisis. Ian will draw on his hands-on experience in Northern Ireland coupled with the results of consultancy assignments in both Africa and the Caribbean.
A CHANGED WORLD FOR IRISH TOURISM - FACING UP TO THE CHALLENGES OF RECOVERY
JULY 2010
With the publication by ITIC - Irish Tourist Industry Confederation - of the Tomorrows Markets report commissioned by ITIC from TTC there has been extensive media interest and debate on this visionary report. The report not only analyses the current state of Irish tourism but looks into the future and makes key recommendations on a strategy for recovery, including the urgent need to tackle the failing British market. The executive summary report and the full report may be downloaded here from ITIC. Listen to Noel Sweeney - TTC's Managing Director - dicsuss the report and its implciations on the ITIC Blog here.
TOMORROW'S MARKETS
MAY 2010
The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) has commissioned TTC to assess the direction as to the most likely best prospect markets for Ireland over the coming decade. The study being conducted over the coming months will analyse how tourism to Ireland has been changing and based on economic, demographic, social and other market trends and forecasts will project where the best opportunities are likely to be in the future. The report will also address resources needed to deliver the optimum visitor/revenue results, consistent with policy objectives for Irish tourism.
TTC personnel will be conducting interviews with market-based informants and businesses, including in-depth interviews with selected tour operators, group organisers, airlines, ferry companies and others. Consultation will also be held with key tourism suppliers and intermediaries in Ireland to identify issues, risks and costs involved in marketing to Ireland’s traditional and newer markets.
The report is due for publication in July 2010.
ECONOMIC IMPACT OF NORTH WEST 200
March 2010
TTC - in association with Market Research Northern Ireland (MRNI) has been commissioned to undertake an economic impact assessment of Northern Ireland's leading motor cycle races - the North West 200. The races take place in May in the famous Portrush triangle with competitors from across the world. The event brings thousands of spectators into the area for a number of days. The event is run by Coleraine & District Motorcycle Club.
NEW BUSINESS MODEL FOR TRADE ASSOCIATION
February 2010
TTC is currently assisting an industry association to identify new revenue streams to secure the representative and marketing body’s financial sustainability. The aim is to broaden the sources of revenue and thereby lessen the dependence on membership fees. The scoping of ideas is based on looking at best practice in other countries and exploring ways of exploiting the association’s assets and know-how to diversify its revenue base , increase productivity and improve the bottom line.
SLIGO TOURISM LOOKS TO THE FUTURE
January 2010
Estimating the value and profile of tourism to County Sligo is one of TTC’s latest assignments. Currently we are engaged with the industry and agencies in the county in assessing the performance and economic significance of the tourism sector in the county, by means of online surveys and interviews with operators. The output, as a benchmarking exercise, will form the basis for a strategic tourism plan for the county being undertaken by the Sligo County Development Board.
LAUNCH OF DOMESTIC MARKET REVIEW
December 2009
On 1 December TTC's Domestic Market Review - commissioned by ITIC and supported by Fáilte Ireland and the Irish Hotels Federation was launched in Dublin. The review highlights the key role of domestic tourism and issues that have emerged concerning it in recent times. The report may be downloaded here. It is an essential read for those concerned with the tourism industry in Ireland.
LARNE VISITOR ORIENTATION
October 2009
TTC in partnership once again with g2 Design is preparing and installing a visitor orientation scheme across Larne Town and Borough. The scheme follows an initial project in Larne and will complete a range of orientation and interpretation points in the town. It will also provide a series of interpretive points across the key tourism locations of the Borough - in villages and the most visited attractions. The project is due for completion in March 2010.
NEED TO KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE AIRLINE WORLD?
September 2009
TTC provides clients with in-depth analysis of European and trans-Atlantic air services on a seasonal basis, together with monthly updates on route developments and airfares. The analysis and commentary is based on the latest OAG data and can provide invaluable up to date information for airports and tourism destinations. Why not contact TTC for a presentation and free trial? Contact us for further details.
THE IRISH MARKET FOR TRAVEL - A STRATEGIC REVIEW
August 2009
TTC has prepared a strategic review of the Irish market for travel, presenting an independent analysis the record growth in demand for outbound and domestic leisure, business and VFR travel over the past decade. This timely report identifies the key drivers of leisure travel by Irish residents; analyses the distribution of demand patterns for domestic and overseas destinations and profiles the planning and booking patterns of the Irish consumer. In the context of the current recession the report identifies the key issues most likely to impact the domestic market performance in the short to medium term; and sets out a series of conclusions and recommendations at strategic and tactical levels.
COLERAINE STADIUM
June 2009
TTC is taking its work with Coleraine Borough Council on to the next Phase following an Options Appraisal in relation to the development of a new stadium and leisure centre. The project - in association with L&R International - will now move into a SIte Masterplan procurement phase where TTC and L&R will assist the council in the complex process of appointing a specialist team to asses the capabilities of the site and monitoring progress.
TTRA HAWAII SPEAKER
June 2009
Ian Henderson is speaking on behalf of Europe in a key business session at the Annual Travel & Tourism Research Association Conference in Hawaii. Ian is joining a distinguished group of speakers led by Dr Suzanne Cook of the US Travel Association and Greg Duffnell of PATA. Three up to date views of the current state of tourism in the US, Europe and Pacific Regions.will be given The conference runs from 21-24 June in Honolulu.
CRAIGAVON ORIENTATION
March 2009
TTC in association with g2Design has been commissioned by Craigavon Borough Council to prepare a visitor orientation plan for the three main towns and eight villages of the Borough. The plan will be prepared over the next two months and will incorporate an implementation strategy. It will cover signage, way finding, orientation and will address issues of interpretation. Both companies recently completed a similar project for the town of Larne.
PATRICK'S TRAIL
February 2009
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Fáilte Ireland have appointed TTC and our partner Countrywise Consultants to undertake a Feasibility Study into a long distance trail linking Westport in County Mayo to Downpatrick in County Down based on the theme of St Patrick. The concept is based around European Pilgrimage routes such as the Camino de Santiago in Spain which attract both pilgrims and serious walkers. The work is scheduled over the next two months.
ROSCOMMON TOURISM STRATEGY
February 2009
TTC has been appointed by Roscommon County Council to prepare a tourism strategy for the county. The work commences in February and is due for completion in June. A major consultative process will take place during the course of the work. One innovation is a requirement to locate many of the tourism assets in the county using GPS equipment. TTC prepared the regional strategy for Ireland West and is well positioned in understanding the strengths of the destination.
TOURISM RENEWAL GROUP APPOINTMENT
January 2009
TTC's Managing Director C.Noel Sweeney is to participate as a member of a committee of six external experts to review Ireland's tourism policy and programme priorities. The Tourism Renewal Group has been convened by the Minister for Arts, Culture & Tourism, Martin Cullen TD. The committee is to advise on future Government policy for the tourism sector in the light of changing global circumstances and the challenges now facing the industry. The committee is chaired by businessman Maurice Pratt and will work with officials from Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland as well as consulting with industry members.
ITIC IRISH TOURISM INDUSTRY SURVEY - 2009 PROSPECTS
December 2008
TTC carried out a series of consultations, an on-line survey and an industry round table for ITIC in December 2008 to assess the state of the industry in very challenging times. The poll of top businesses engaged in Irish tourism shows that the greatest challenges facing the sector in 2009 are the impacts of the international recession, including the downturn in the Irish economy, followed by the uncertainty which is eroding consumer confidence. Other key factors influencing demand are shortage of credit and currency exchange rates.
The full report is available from ITIC on www.itic.ie under News and Year End Review
INTEGRATED STRATEGIC TOURISM FRAMEWORK FOR BELFAST
December 2008
TTC in association with Locum Destination Consulting (partners in our Shannon Development project) have been appointed to prepare a Framework for tourism development in Belfast. Both Belfast City Council and NITB are the project funders. The work is to be carried out over the next four months and will provide a clear direction to assist moving Belfast's successful tourism industry on to the next level of achievement. There is a focus on consultation and buy in from a wide spectrum of bodies and Departments to ensure that Integration is at the heart of the route forward.
7 Stanes
November 2008
TTC has renewed its alliance with Roger Tym & Partners to assist in the review of the famous 7Stanes mountain biking trails in the Borders area of Scotland. These trails were built following the 2001 Foot & Mouth Disease outbreak and have become outstanding mountain biking assets. Roger Tym & Partners has been commissioned by Scottish Enterprise and the Forestry Commission to review the trails and their funding and make recommendations for long term sustainability. TTC will focus on the tourism aspects.
GIANT'S CAUSEWAY TIC
October 2008
TTC has been appointed by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to review the requirements for tourist information provision in the Giant's Causeway area. The planned visitor centre at the World Heritage Site is a key element in the range of Signature Projects critical to tourism growth and the signposting role of a TIC is considered essential also. TTC is examining delivery options.
CYPRUS AIR ROUTE DEVELOPMENT
September 2008
TTC has been appointed by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation to provide expert advice on the implementation of an EU approved air route development scheme. TTC prepared the scheme for CTO and it was approved by Brussels earlier this year. TTC will now develop detailed documentation and application mechanisms, the assessment procedures and provide technical advice on the sifting and scoring of applications. The Scheme runs for three years and will open in 2009.
TOURISM PASSPORT SCHEME
July 2008
A scheme to use Tourism Passports for the Western Region of Northern Ireland is being examined by TTC. The concept is the brainchild of the Western Regional Tourism Partnership who have appointed TTC to examine the viability of the proposal and to prepare potential partnership linkages. Tourism Passports are used to develop loyalty and increase repeat business - plus aiming to up the length of stay in an area through targeted and linked marketing packages. The work is due for completion in October.
SHANNON FLAGSHIPS
May 2008
A search for new tourism attractions to act as ‘reasons to visit’ the Shannon Region is underway. The brief for the tourism product identification study is to explore a range of suitable tourism experiences which would have high market appeal while meeting strict environmental, social and economic objectives in the future growth of both domestic and international tourism to the region. The project will explore future travel trends and will be closely integrated with the future growth of Shannon Airport. The study commissioned by Shannon Development Company was won by TTC in association with UK-based Locum Consulting – an internationally recognised leader in destination consultancy.
GRENADA
May 2008
The Commonwealth Secretariat has appointed TTC International to review the Grenada Board of Tourism with a view to enabling it to meet the challenges of a new era for tourism.
The Spice Island of Grenada was badly damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and is only now recovering fully from this event. Grenada has a mixture of stay over and cruise tourism and is an idyllic Caribbean island.
TTC commences work in June and is due to complete the project in September 2008.
EUROPE - THE OPPORTUNITY MARKET FOR THE ISLAND OF IRELAND
May 2008
The European source markets for Irish tourism have been the bright stars in recent years with increasing numbers visiting the island of Ireland. Last year over 2.6 million mainland Europeans visited Ireland up 14% on the previous year – once again outpacing the rate of growth from other markets. However, the European source markets, with their fast changing dynamics, present both opportunities and challenges for Irish tourism.
Following a recent tender process, Tourism Ireland selected TTC to conduct a major review of the European marketplace. The purpose of the review is to understand the drivers of successful destination marketing across the many European source markets, identify the factors which will determine tourism demand in the coming years and define the best prospects for Ireland. Questions such as ‘How best to sustain growth?’ and ‘Where should Ireland invest its marketing budgets to maximize the return?’ will also form part of the review. The results are expected to be available in November 2008.
ITIC 'OPEN SKIES' STUDY
April 2008
The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) has commissioned TTC
to conduct research on the impact of ‘Open Skies’ on tourism
on the western seaboard. While the immediate impact has been a reduction
of trans-Atlantic air service at Shannon Airport, additional marketing
funds made available by the Government are aimed boosting North Americans
visiting the west. The aim of the study is to identify medium to longer
term opportunities for tourism growth and to make recommendations on the
best use of marketing funds committed over the next 5 years.
The study commissioned by ITIC in conjunction with Shannon Development,
is due to publication in June.
LARNE TOURISM STRATEGY
April 2008
TTC has been appointed by Larne Borough Council and Larne Development
Forum to prepare a three year tourism strategy for the Borough. Larne
is a leading entry port for Northern Ireland and is strategically placed
on the Causeway Coastal Route. TTC will undertake wideranging consultancy
among local tourism interests as well as focus on key development projects
such as the famous Gobbins coastal path. The Strategy is due for presentation
to the council in September.
CYPRUS - AIR ROUTE DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT SCHEME 2008 - 2012
April 2008
A 18million Euro scheme for new route development, designed by TTC,
was approved by the European Commission’s Energy & Transport
DG on March 18th
(EU Ref. N 52 / 2008)
The scheme will grant ‘start up’ aid for new and expanded
scheduled air services between the Republic of Cyprus’ airports
at Larnaca and Paphos and member states and will apply for the period
April 2008 to March 2012. Improved air services to/from Cyprus are essential
for the restoration of sustainable growth to Cyprus’ tourism industry;
attracting inward investment; boosting exports; and facilitating travel
and community cohesion. The importance for tourism to the island is especially
critical with the decline of traditional charter services and increased
competition from low cost carriers operating to competitor sun destinations.
The Air Route Development Support Scheme 2008-2012 will be administered
by Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) as a statutory agency on behalf of
the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.
Belfast Tourism
April 2008
TTC International has been appointed by Belfast City Council to undertake a review of tourism in the outer areas of the city and develop an Action Plan with the commmunities. This interesting project focuses on areas such as West Belfast, North Belfast including the Shankill and East Belfast and aims to develop a means to ensuring that these parts of the city share in its recent success as a leading tourism destination. TTC has already pioneered the development of visitor management in these parts of Belfast following the Cultural Tourism Visitor Management Plan.
Larne Visitor Orientation Scheme
March 2008
TTC International in association with g2 Design of Moira has been appointed to prepare a Visitor Orientation Scheme for the town and port of Larne. The project entails preparing a plan for orientation and providing essentially reasons for visitors to get interested in the town and spend quality time there. As a key port and entry point it has extensive visitor throughput and is part of the Causeway Coastal Route. The project will provide interpretation panels, signage and associated mapping. Completion is expected in June.
Causeway Coast & Glens Regional Tourism Statistics
January 2008
TTC International in association once again with GTS - Global Tourism Solutions (UK) Ltd and TNS Travel & Tourism Research are part of the consortium delivering the STEAM tourism model for the Causeway Coast & Glens Tourism Partnership.
This model is used extensively across the UK to provide council level tourism statistics and is approved by the UK Government for this purpose. As well as preparing regional level data the model will provide council level data for participating councils in the region.
STEAM is a unique solution for the delivery of council level data - including day trip figures and caravan park estimates. The consortium began a similar project for Armagh Down Tourism Partnership in 2007.
TNS will begin interviewing visitors in the region in February.
Estonia Tourist Board
December 2007
Ian Henderson - TTC's Managing Partner in Northern Ireland and GB led a training session for staff of the Estonian Touist Board and Enterprise Estonia on the subject of tourism research and statistics. The session took place in Tallinn in the week before Christmas and was part of a series of training events for ETB organised by the local consultancy firm Consumetric. The sesssion covered both research techniques and the application of research for tourism policy and decision making.
Belfast Welcome Centre Retail Review
December 2007
TTC - in partnership with Heritage Retailing - is undertaking a review of the retail operations at Belfast Visitor & Convention Bureau's enormously successful Welcome Centre in the heart of the city in Donegall Place. BVCB needs to ensure that its systems are optimised and that it is making best use of the retail offer in the Centre while ensuring that the Information role is totally fulfilled. The review will also look at other selected TIC's in Northern Ireland to assess wider issues for NITB. Graham Bancroft of Heritage Retailing is one of the UK's leading experts in this field. TTC and Heritage Retailing notably carried out a similar project for Parliament Buidlings at Stormont.
Skibbereen Heritage Centre
November 2007
TTC has been awarded a contract by Cork County Council to review the operation of Skibbereen Heritage Centre which has been in operation for some seven years. The Heritage Centre focuses on the twin themes of the Famine and Lough Hyne - Ireland's first marine nature reserve. TTC will examine the feasibility of extending the centre and developing a new theme for it, as well as review the potential for added facilities.
CLONAKILTY - BEST EMERGING RURAL DESTINATION 2007
September 2007
Fáilte Ireland - on behalf of the Department of Arts, Sports & Tourism, organised an EU Competition - 'European Destinations of Excellence - Best Emerging Rural Tourism Destination 2007'. The winner of the competition was Clonakilty - County Cork and part of their prize is the provision of a comprehensive and realistic marketing plan. TTC is delighted to have been awarded the project to deliver this plan in the coming weeks.
OPEN SKIES - US PATTERNS OF TRAVEL TO IRELAND TO CHANGE
August 2007
A paper projecting the likely impacts of open skies, including the outlook for direct air services from the US to Shannon and Dublin for winter 07 and summer 08, found that there is a short term likelihood of a loss of American bed nights in the western regions, most marked in the Shannon region. While open skies offers potential for Irish tourism to grow with new routes and hopefully new carriers the immediate impact will be a greater concentration of arrivals from the US at Dublin Airport. The report ‘Projected Short to Medium Term Impacts of Open Skies for Ireland’ is available on ITIC’s web site http://www.itic.ie/research.html
US DISCRETIONARY BUSINESS MARKET
August 2007
TTC is undertaking research in the US on the changing discretionary business travel market to assist Tourism Ireland in designing a new campaign to attract more conference, meetings and incentive travel from this most lucrative market. The research will probe how corporations and associations make decisions, what are the primary influences in the choice of destination, and how they purchase travel for meetings and incentive reward travel. The characteristics, purchasing patterns and competition in the high value discretionary travel market have changed and the results of this research due in October will help answer how best Ireland can win a larger share.
WALLED CITY RESEARCH PROJECT
July 2007
TTC International and TNS Tourism Services have been appointed by Derry Visitor & Convention Bureau (DVCB) and its partners - Derry City Council, NITB and ILEX - to carry out a major visitor research project in the Walled City. This forms part of its development as a Signature Project.
The research project is multi stranded involving consumer surveys from August through to January within the city, Mystery Shopping in tourism facilities and research elsewhere in Northern Ireland and across the border.
When the work is completed early next year DVCB will have a comprehensive picture of the use of the Walls, the attractiveness of the city for tourism and detailed information on quality issues to be addressed.
ISLA - BUILDING THE BOAT
June 2007
From October 2005 until March 2007 TTC developed the tourism element of the ISLA - On My Island Project. This is an INTERREG project involving the following islands: Bere Island (Ireland); Shetland Islands (Scotland); Inner Hebrides (Scotland); Ouessant (France) and Tiengemeten (Netherlands). TTC reviewed six aspects of tourism affecting these islands - Carrying Capacity; Infrastructure; Partnerships; Marketing; Regulation and Visitor Management. The work culminated in a Partner Conference in Rotterdam in March this year.
TTC has now been appointed with Bureau Buiten and CLM - Consultancies from the Netherlands - to lead the finalisation of the work and prepare a final report and action plan for presentation in early 2008. The process is known as 'building the boat'!
Review of Seaside Resorts Initiative
May 2007
Sligo County Council has appointed TTC to carry out a Review of the INTERREG funded Seaside Resorts Inititaive on behalf of its partners - Donegal, Moyle, Coleraine and Larne Councils. The Inititaive helped fund a variety of environmental improvement schemes in the key resorts in each council area. In addition cross border marketing initiatives were liked to the project and form part of the revue
APPOINTED TO TTRA - EUROPE BOARD
Ian Henderson - TTC's Managing Partner for the UK has been elected to the Europe Chapter Board of TTRA - Travel & Tourism Research Association. At the recent Conference held in Nice from April 23 -25 Ian was elected at the Chapter AGM and is looking forward to working with the new Europe President - Kaija Lindroth of Haaga -Helia University of Applied Sciences - Finland. See also TTRA News.
Ian Henderson - TTC's Managing Partner for the UK has been elected to the Europe Chapter Board of TTRA - Travel & Tourism Research Association. At the recent Conference held in Nice from April 23 -25 Ian was elected at the Chapter AGM and is looking forward to working with the new Europe President - Kaija Lindroth of Haaga -Helia University of Applied Sciences - Finland. See also TTRA News.
FAILTE IRELAND - REGIONAL TOURISM PLANS
March 2007
TTC has been appointed to undertake one of the most awaited tourism projects in Ireland - the preparation of regional tourism development and marketing plans for five of Ireland's tourism regions. These are: Midlands East; South East; South West; West and North West.
TTC will work closely with the newly structured Regional Tourism Authorities who now form part of Failte Ireland's organisation. The project is multi layered as well as geographically dispersed and will involve extensive consultation and analysis. The RTA's unlike their predecessors have a developmnent role which is eagerly awaited locally.
The process of plan preparation will run throughout much of the year.
Noel Sweeney TTC Managing Director commented: "This is a critcal project for the industry particularly for those regions that have not shared recent substantial growth in business. We are delighted to have won this important work".
THE SOMME ASSOCIATION - CORPORATE & BUSINESS PLANS
February 2007
The Somme Association has appointed TTC working with L&R Consulting to prepare a Corporate Plan for the Association and a Business Plan for the Somme Heritage Centre. The TTC team has in the past prepared a Business Plan for the Ulster Tower on the Somme - a key part of the Association's portfolio. The Somme Association is a charitable organisation formed to educate and commemorate on a cross-community basis. Its theme is the Battle of the Somme and this has expanded into all of the First & Second World Wars. The Association is headquartered at the Somme Heritage Centre near Newtownards and as well as managing the Ulster Tower in France it also owns the nearby Thiepval Wood where the 36th(Ulster) Division formed up on the 1st July 1916.
Ian Henderson commented: "Gerry Carver and I are delighted to once again be working with the Association to help develop its future role and sustainability".
ss-community basis. Its theme is the Battle of the Somme and this has expanded into all of the First & Second World Wars. The Association is headquartered at the Somme Heritage Centre near Newtownards and as well as managing the Ulster Tower in France it also owns the nearby Thiepval Wood where the 36th(Ulster) Division formed up on the 1st July 1916.
Ian Henderson commented: "Gerry Carver and I are delighted to once again be working with the Association to help develop its future role and sustainability".
NITB ISLAND OF IRELAND REVIEW
February 2007
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has appointed TTC to undertake a review of barriers to tourism in Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland and Domestic markets. TTC is working with Behaviour & Attitude Research to understand the issues relating to holidaying in Northern Ireland that impact on performance in each market. Focus groupos will form an importnat part of the approach to get insight into consumers mind sets.The review will also consider the competitive position in each marketplace and aims to provide an effective approach to achieving success for the industry. An advisory committee will assist the work of the review group in both Belfast and Dublin.
It is expected that the draft report will be completed in April.
EVALUATION OF WESTERN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
January 2007
The Western Development Commission based in Ballaghadereen, Co Roscommon has appointed TTC to undertake a review of the recently completed Western Tourism Development Programme which emerged from a Blueprint for Tourism Development in the West. The object of the evaluation is to assess what lessons can be learnt from the programme's outputs and processes to help leave a legacy for the future. The Programme helped implement projects such as The Green Box, Walking in the West and a Tourism Tastes Trail. The work is due for completion in March.
RATHLIN ISLAND RESIDENTS PASS REVIEW
December 2006
TTC International has been appointed by the Department for Regional Development for Northern Ireland to review the operation of the residents pass scheme for those living on Rathlin Island off the North Antrim Coast. The scheme gives residents discounts for
n Ireland to review the operation of the residents pass scheme for those living on Rathlin Island off the North Antrim Coast. The scheme gives residents discounts for passengers and vehicles on the ferry service operated by Caledonian MacBrayne from Ballycastle to Rathlin. After ten years of operation the scheme is being reviewed by TTC to bring it into line with current best practice for the management and safeguarding of such schemes. The work is due for completion in February 2007.
NORTH AMERICA : LAND OF OPPORTUNITY
October 2006
"North America: Land of Opportunity" A Strategic Review & Action Plan for Growing Tourism from the North American Market.
A major strategic review of the opportunities for Irish tourism in North America, conducted by TTC for Tourism Ireland, was launched by John O’Donoghue, Minister for Arts, Sports & Tourism, in Killarney on October 24th.
The review conclusively points to a changed marketplace, increased competition and greater challenges. While Ireland has been notably successful in growing numbers of Americans visitors, the market is changing, how consumers view their vacation, their values and how the plan and purchase travel is fast changing.
The outcome of the review is a new strategy for Tourism Ireland and the industry – who and where are Ireland’s best prospects; how best to communicate with them and to ensure that the Ireland product is on the right shelves. The end product is an integrated action plan for the next 6 years, with a target of 1.5 million North American visitors by 2013.
North America: Land of Opportunity. An Action Plan for Growing Tourism from the United States and Canada to the Island of Ireland is available to download from www.tourismireland.com/corporate
October 24th
The review conclusively points to a changed marketplace, increased competition and greater challenges. While Ireland has been notably successful in growing numbers of Americans visitors, the market is changing, how consumers view their vacation, their values and how the plan and purchase travel is fast changing.
The outcome of the review is a new strategy for Tourism Ireland and the industry – who and where are Ireland’s best prospects; how best to communicate with them and to ensure that the Ireland product is on the right shelves. The end product is an integrated action plan for the next 6 years, with a target of 1.5 million North American visitors by 2013.
North America: Land of Opportunity. An Action Plan for Growing Tourism from the United States and Canada to the Island of Ireland is available to download from www.tourismireland.com/corporate
DOVER CRUISE PORT
October 2006
TTC has once again joined with Roger Tym & Partners to undertake
an Economic Impact Study of Cruise Tourism in the Dover and East Kent
region. The work is commissioned by Port of Dover and Cruise Connection
- a partnership including East Kent Partnership, Kent Tourism and Leeds
Castle. Passenger survey work has already been carried out at the port
covering both Turn Around and Port of Call Vessels. The study follows
similar work for Scotland and the Port of Southampton. It will be completed
by December 2006 and provide an accurate snapshot of 2006 cruise business
in GB's second cruise port - known as the Port of Kings.