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Case Study of the Midland Case Study of the Midland Region SME’s and Region SME’s and
communities involved in communities involved in water tourism and related water tourism and related
activitiesactivities
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Team involved in Report:Team involved in Report:
• The Tourism CompanyThe Tourism Company
• The Tourism Research Centre (Dublin The Tourism Research Centre (Dublin Institute of Technology)Institute of Technology)
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We would like to thank the We would like to thank the following:following:• The The Regional Working GroupRegional Working Group and the and the
SME’sSME’s for taking the time to for taking the time to participating in the survey’s and participating in the survey’s and providing useful information. providing useful information.
• Waterways IrelandWaterways Ireland who kindly allow us who kindly allow us to use ‘Waterways Ireland Users to use ‘Waterways Ireland Users Research Report’ and for all the Research Report’ and for all the additional information that they additional information that they provided.provided.
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‘Tourism is one of the largest & most important components of indigenous industry within the
Irish economy.
Not alone is tourism a major contributor in generating foreign
earning and sustaining employment, But it also plays an
important role in developing rural economies & contributing
to spatial balance.’
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General TrendsGeneral TrendsDomesticDomestic• In 2004, a total of 7 million trips were taken In 2004, a total of 7 million trips were taken
within the Republic by Irish residents, with an within the Republic by Irish residents, with an expenditure of €1 billion. expenditure of €1 billion.
• This represents an increase of 5% on the number This represents an increase of 5% on the number of domestic trips taken in 2003 while expenditure of domestic trips taken in 2003 while expenditure increased by 7%.increased by 7%.
OverseasOverseas• Overseas tourist visits to Ireland in 2004 Overseas tourist visits to Ireland in 2004
increased by 3.3% to 6.4 million.increased by 3.3% to 6.4 million.
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Changing Consumers Changing Consumers Trends, according to Latest Trends, according to Latest International Research:International Research:• ‘There will be more “active” older
travellers, seeking quality experiences, and with an interest in heritage, culture & environmentally-based tourism, and a growing awareness of value for money.’
• ‘There will be increased demand for customised holidays, tailored to personal leisure or activity interests.’
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• ‘‘A significant segment of consumers will be increasingly “time poor”, and this, together with heightened concerns about security and safety, will result in greater demand for short breaks in nearby destinations, such as urban-based or “clustered” destinations.’
• ‘Off-season demand is expected to grow, with more interest in niche products.’
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We are going to look at:We are going to look at:• Overview of the markets.Overview of the markets.• Current situation analysis.Current situation analysis.• Recommendations for development of new Recommendations for development of new
products & services, and the improvement products & services, and the improvement of existing products & services.of existing products & services.
• Comments & recommendations for Comments & recommendations for marketing & promotional activities.marketing & promotional activities.
• Show transferability of best practice to Show transferability of best practice to project partner regions.project partner regions.
• Recommendations for branding waterways Recommendations for branding waterways in the Midland Region.in the Midland Region.
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Stage 2 :Research Analysis
Stage 3: Recommendations
Stage 1 : Research & Consultations
Survey of R.W.G
Stage 4: Finalise Report
Survey of SME’SSecondary Research
Methodology Used:Methodology Used:
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3,444
1,515
1,159
983
907
543
232
476
0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000
Dublin
South-West
West
Shannon
South-East
Midlands East
Midlands Region
North West
Overseas tourists to the Regions (2003)
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Overseas tourist to Midlands RegionOverseas tourist to Midlands Region
137
50
34
11
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Britain
M.Europe
N.America
Other Areas
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Revenue generated by Revenue generated by overseas tourists to the overseas tourists to the
region(2003) (€m)region(2003) (€m)
1051
619
457
334
218
92
268
188
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
Dublin
South-West
West
Shannon
Midlands East
Midlands Region
South-East
North West
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Revenue generated by Revenue generated by overseas tourists to Midlands overseas tourists to Midlands
Region (€m)Region (€m)
51
19
2
19
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Britain
M. Europe
N. America
Other Areas
• The average The average spend per spend per visitors to visitors to the Midlands the Midlands Region is Region is €399€399
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Product AuditProduct Audit
WALKING
GOLF
ANGLING
HERITAGE
EQUESTRAIN
BOATING
WATERSPORTS
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)
219
35
129
172
53
0 50 100 150 200 250
B&B, Guesthouses & Self-Catering
Hotels
Attractions
Pubs & Restaurants
Music & Entertainment
Tourist Services in the Midland Region (Numbers)
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Sporting Facilities & Services in the Midland Region (Numbers)
110
42
27
25
23
12
46
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Angling
Boating & Watersports
Golf
Equestrian
Walking
Cycling
Other Sports
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Tourist activities in the Midland Region (Numbers)
79
38
14
14
8
4
3
2
1
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Festivals
Touring/Driving Routes
Theatres
Conference Facilities
Health Spas
Leisure Centres
Gardens
Internet Cafes
Cookery Schools
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Survey of 318 Waterways UsersSurvey of 318 Waterways Usersfrom Waterways Ireland Users from Waterways Ireland Users
Research ReportResearch ReportOccupation of respondents Occupation of respondents
17%
13%11%
10% 10%
6% 5%3% 2% 1% 2%
20%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
Man
ager
ial &
tech
nical
Retire
d
Skilled
man
ual
Stude
nts
Profe
ssion
al wor
kers
Semi-s
killed
Homem
aker
Non-m
anua
l
Unem
ploye
d
Unskil
led
Self e
mplo
yed
Don't k
now/N
o re
ply
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Country of ResidenceCountry of Residence85%
5% 4% 3% 1% 0.3%0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
Republic ofIreland
Germany Britain OtherEuropean
Other Don'tknow/No
reply
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Gender of visitors toGender of visitors to Midlands Region Midlands Region
Female27%
Male73%
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Party CompositionParty Composition36%
25% 25%
10%
3% 2% 1% 0.5%0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Alone Couple Group offriends
Family,children<12 yrs
Club Family,children
13-18 yrs
Other Don'tknow/no
reply
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Purpose of VisitPurpose of Visit
49%
32%
21%
5% 1%0%
10%20%
30%40%
50%60%
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Length of Stay on HolidaysLength of Stay on Holidays
2% 2%
67%
7%2%
20%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
1-3 days 4-6 days 1-2weeks
>2weeks
6months
Don’tknow/no
reply
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Age GroupAge Group
4%
11%14%
32%
21%
12%
2% 4%
0%
5%
10%
15%20%
25%
30%
35%
u16 16-24 25-34 35-49 50-64 65-74 75+ Don'tknow/
no reply
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Activities Undertaken on Activities Undertaken on the Waterwaysthe Waterways
35%
27% 25%
12%
3% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 3%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
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Sources of Information on Sources of Information on the Waterwaysthe Waterways
45%40%
32%
15%11%
9% 7% 6%3% 2% 1% 1% 0.3%
5%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Live
in th
e ar
ea
Regula
r use
r
Frie
nds/r
elat
ions/w
ord
of m
outh
Wat
erway
s Ire
land
Cruise
hire
com
pany
Inte
rnet
Lock
kee
pers
Tour
ist o
ffice
Newsp
aper
s/mag
azin
e
Leaf
lets/
poste
rs
Tour
ist g
uideb
ook/b
roch
ure
Tour
guid
e
Radio/
TV
Other
info
rmat
ion
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Length of Time Spent Length of Time Spent on the Waterwayson the Waterways
49%
10%
3%
8%
2%
15%12%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Half-day orless
1 day 2 days 3 or 4days
4 days to 1week
1 week More thana week
•3.6 days Average length of time spent 3.6 days Average length of time spent by respondents on the waterwayby respondents on the waterway
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Rating of WaterwaysRating of Waterways
30%
56%
11%
3% 0.50% 0.50%0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor Don’tknow/no
reply
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Rating of Waterways & Rating of Waterways & FacilitiesFacilities86% Very good or good86% Very good or goodRoyal Canal was rated the highest & Grand Canal least Royal Canal was rated the highest & Grand Canal least
satisfiedsatisfied
Main reasons for rating waterways positively were:Main reasons for rating waterways positively were:• Peaceful/quiet/nice areaPeaceful/quiet/nice area• Good fishingGood fishing• Relaxing/a way of lifeRelaxing/a way of life
The following were rated either poor or very poor:The following were rated either poor or very poor:• Children playgroundsChildren playgrounds• Pump out facilitiesPump out facilities• ShowersShowers• Ships ChandleryShips Chandlery• Refuelling facilitiesRefuelling facilities
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Facilities that need to be Facilities that need to be DevelopedDeveloped
• 31% - Public Toilets31% - Public Toilets
• 18% - Showers / lockers / changing facilities18% - Showers / lockers / changing facilities
• 16% - Improved pathways / walkways/ 16% - Improved pathways / walkways/ towpathstowpaths
• 14% - More bins / a litter clean up14% - More bins / a litter clean up
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Overview of Issues Highlighted Overview of Issues Highlighted by the Regional Working by the Regional Working Group:Group:
• Majority of waterways users do not encounter any Majority of waterways users do not encounter any difficulties in accessing the waterways.difficulties in accessing the waterways.
• Majority of waterways users do not encounter any Majority of waterways users do not encounter any difficulties in sharing the waterways with other users.difficulties in sharing the waterways with other users.
• Opportunities exist for water tours in Midlands Opportunities exist for water tours in Midlands Region.Region.
• There is support for regulatory review in such areas There is support for regulatory review in such areas as:as:
Driving License for boats & cruisersDriving License for boats & cruisersLicense for fishingLicense for fishingSpeed limitsSpeed limits
• There is support for improvements & developments There is support for improvements & developments in the area of quality standards.in the area of quality standards.
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What people are looking for What people are looking for when they book inland when they book inland cruising holidays:cruising holidays:• Relaxing holiday with peace, tranquillity, Relaxing holiday with peace, tranquillity,
beautiful scenery, unspoilt environment, home beautiful scenery, unspoilt environment, home comforts, friendly atmosphere, good prices, comforts, friendly atmosphere, good prices, good restaurants & pubs with excellent food.good restaurants & pubs with excellent food.
• People are looking for the Irish experience, to People are looking for the Irish experience, to visit heritage sites, a holiday with a different visit heritage sites, a holiday with a different with good quality services.with good quality services.
• To unwind, have a fun new experience visiting To unwind, have a fun new experience visiting interesting places & cruise in beautiful interesting places & cruise in beautiful surrounding, all in hassles free environmentsurrounding, all in hassles free environment
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The perceived USP’s of the The perceived USP’s of the Midland Region as a waterways Midland Region as a waterways holiday destination:holiday destination:• Unspoilt environment, access to the rural areas of Unspoilt environment, access to the rural areas of
Ireland, relaxing, enjoy the green grass, good water, Ireland, relaxing, enjoy the green grass, good water, the ‘craic’ and good hospitality.the ‘craic’ and good hospitality.
• Waterway are not overcrowded, freedom in vast Waterway are not overcrowded, freedom in vast areas away from hustle &bustle, & the stress of life.areas away from hustle &bustle, & the stress of life.
• People – the friendliness of people from midlands & People – the friendliness of people from midlands & extremely gentle & obliging waterways users.extremely gentle & obliging waterways users.
• Lack of regulationsLack of regulations• Free mooring & good quality facilities at minimal Free mooring & good quality facilities at minimal
cost.cost.• Numerous locations, such as castle, fishing, Numerous locations, such as castle, fishing,
monastic sites, gardens, golfmonastic sites, gardens, golf• Activities & services available along the waterway.Activities & services available along the waterway.• Overseas visitors have quick & easy access to the Overseas visitors have quick & easy access to the
waterways, by using the access points at Dublin & waterways, by using the access points at Dublin & Shannon Airport.Shannon Airport.
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The Perceived Disadvantages of Ireland as a Waterways Holiday Destination
• Pricing and competition with other products.• Lack of information about the waterways, limited
signage, lack of access points to the waterways.
• Lack of information on services and facilities on waterways, such as cafe, restaurant, pubs & shops
• Linear routes along the waterways, people have difficulty in returning to their cars.
• Lack of hire cruisers and narrow boat companies offering service on the canal and rivers.
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Based on the SME’s & Based on the SME’s & the Regional Working the Regional Working Group Survey’s the Group Survey’s the
followingfollowing Key Recommendations Key Recommendations
were madewere made
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The Following Facilities Require The Following Facilities Require Further Developed:Further Developed:• Pump out FacilitiesPump out Facilities• Public Facilities (changing rooms, showers & toilets)Public Facilities (changing rooms, showers & toilets)• RestaurantsRestaurants• Children’s Play AreasChildren’s Play Areas• Litter ManagementLitter Management• Mooring FacilitiesMooring Facilities• Electrical PointsElectrical Points• Chandlery ShopsChandlery Shops• Fishing facilities & Access pointsFishing facilities & Access points• Designated Swimming areasDesignated Swimming areas• Return transports to carsReturn transports to cars• Kids Summer CampsKids Summer Camps• Improved Information PointsImproved Information Points• Safety & Security on the WaterwaysSafety & Security on the Waterways
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The Following Products Offer The Following Products Offer Opportunity for Further Opportunity for Further
Development:Development:
““Currently an in-ordinate focus on Currently an in-ordinate focus on cruising/ boating activities and tourists cruising/ boating activities and tourists
. Need for variety of land based . Need for variety of land based activities and alternative water based activities and alternative water based
activities.”activities.”
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Products Products Two priority products which offer opportunities Two priority products which offer opportunities
require development are walking & cycling:require development are walking & cycling:
Attractive walking & cycle routes could be Attractive walking & cycle routes could be developed, running along the waterways but developed, running along the waterways but also taking in places of interest nearby.also taking in places of interest nearby.
Routes could be developed along tow paths Routes could be developed along tow paths & pathways.& pathways.
It is suggested that guided walking tours are It is suggested that guided walking tours are provide in the Midlands.provide in the Midlands.
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ProductsProducts• Driving Routes – various areas themedDriving Routes – various areas themed• Equestrian – pony trekking by the lakeEquestrian – pony trekking by the lake• Water based activities – kayaking, sailing, Water based activities – kayaking, sailing,
guided water tours e.g. Corrib Princess – guided water tours e.g. Corrib Princess – Galway.Galway.
• Family parksFamily parks• Day trips to organic farms Day trips to organic farms • Extend accommodation baseExtend accommodation base• Festivals & Events – increase awareness & Festivals & Events – increase awareness &
enjoyment of waterways usersenjoyment of waterways users• Responsible Tourism – is environmentally Responsible Tourism – is environmentally
responsible & sustainable with a focus on responsible & sustainable with a focus on conservation & on local communities who conservation & on local communities who benefit from the local environmental benefit from the local environmental assets.assets.
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Transferable of Best PracticeTransferable of Best Practice• Structures – Strong need for a cohesive integrated Structures – Strong need for a cohesive integrated
structure for marketing, management & structure for marketing, management & maintenance of Waterways. Preferably be lead by a maintenance of Waterways. Preferably be lead by a state body. This body should work closely with the state body. This body should work closely with the other planning & development bodies.other planning & development bodies.
• Planning and Development guidelines - Clear Planning and Development guidelines - Clear guidelines on the built environment should be guidelines on the built environment should be developed. Guidelines should take account of the developed. Guidelines should take account of the potential impact of development on the waterways. potential impact of development on the waterways. A transparent & open planning process should be in A transparent & open planning process should be in place.place.
• TrainingTraining – Information awareness amongst user, – Information awareness amongst user, local communities and stakeholders is seen as a local communities and stakeholders is seen as a priority. The development of a “Sense of place” is a priority. The development of a “Sense of place” is a priority.priority.
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• Environmental Management – Waterways should be managed to the highest environmental standard in line with EU Water Framework Directives & anti-pollution legislation.
• Access - Public access to waterways should be seen as a priority, transport linkages should be put in place to facility easy access.
• Regulation, Monitoring & Maintenance – Policies should be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure the highest standards are kept and the product is constantly improved.
• Safety – Safety on the water should be highlighted as a priority, water safety guidelines should be drawn up similar to Irish Water Safety Guidelines – www.iws.ie
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Marketing RecommendationsMarketing Recommendations• Dedicated information material; maps, Dedicated information material; maps,
things to do & seethings to do & see• Dedicated websiteDedicated website• Improved information distribution to Improved information distribution to
tourist bodies and tour operatorstourist bodies and tour operators• Improved use of internetImproved use of internet• Joint Promotion by all bodies involved Joint Promotion by all bodies involved • Awareness promotion ‘Sense of Place’Awareness promotion ‘Sense of Place’• Develop linkages with local areasDevelop linkages with local areas• Improve signageImprove signage• Development of product packagesDevelopment of product packages
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Branding RecommendationsBranding Recommendations• Brand awareness is key to the success of Brand awareness is key to the success of
any product.any product.• Branding is providing an image/identity Branding is providing an image/identity
which differentiates the region from which differentiates the region from competitioncompetition
• Brand research would need to include Brand research would need to include additional in-dept consultation with key additional in-dept consultation with key stakeholders and review of competitors. stakeholders and review of competitors.
• Brand should focus on the area’s Unique Brand should focus on the area’s Unique Selling Points example tranquillity, Selling Points example tranquillity, openness, space, unspoilt, natural openness, space, unspoilt, natural environment.environment.
• One body should manage the brand.One body should manage the brand.• Guidelines need to be developed for use of Guidelines need to be developed for use of
the brand.the brand.
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