Evidence Log 3 - Cruise Lines
Using the link below, research the cruise line identified to find out the number of passengers each ship can carry.
https://www.belfast-harbour.co.uk/port/cruise-schedule
Think about the positive impacts that cruise ship arrivals have on a destination. Use the information below to support your answer if required.
Explain why the excursions from a cruise ship:
a) Is a good example of how the ‘multiplier effect’ works in the travel and tourism industry
b) Show how organisations from different sectors of the travel and tourism industry work together.
Record your findings on the Evidence Log.
Despite the recession which occurred from 2008 onwards, Northern Ireland has experienced steady growth in visitor numbers in recent years. Discounting VFR traffic, Northern Ireland has experienced more UK visitors who come for business. Also, there are increased numbers of leisure travellers who may include Northern Ireland as part of an all-Ireland self-drive holiday. And golfers from both the UK and North America who are attracted by the famous links courses such as Royal Portrush and Royal Co Down.
In recent years changes have been made to the way in which tourism to Ireland, including Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is marketed. In the public sector, Northern Ireland is marketed domestically by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, based in Belfast. The NITB www.nitb.com and its sister consumer site www.discovernorthernireland.com is responsible for research, accommodation grading, marketing and allocation of capital grants. Under the terms of the 1998 Belfast Agreement, Northern Ireland is marketed “off island” by Tourism Ireland www.tourismireland.com, many of whose employees have worked for NITB and its Republic of Ireland counterpart, Bord Failte Eireann www.failteireland.ie. Tourism Ireland has offices in all Ireland’s main markets and is currently working very hard in the NMD’s (New & Developing Markets) of China, India and Brazil.
One of the functions of Tourism Ireland and other bodies has been to instil confidence into tour operators to offer tours to the island of Ireland, incorporating visits to both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
As an example of the north-south co-operation which the new political climate has brought about, one has only to look at operators such as Cosmos. The itinerary suggested from the link below would not have been considered possible 20 years ago.
http://www.cosmos.com/Product.aspx?trip=29200&content=overview&source=CO_Product_Britain
Today, Northern Ireland is once again an attractive destination. Its main markets are:
Leisure travel – Belfast is highly rated by many travel writers as a “must see” weekend destination. In addition, many all-Ireland coach tours now feature 2-3 days in Northern Ireland on their itineraries. Fly-drive holidays are popular with increasing numbers of tourists from the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain and other parts of Europe.
Cruise ships – Belfast is one of only three deep water ports in Ireland, meaning that ships up to 135,000 tonnes can safely berth there. The day excursions mostly offer the Giants Causeway and the Antrim Coast; coach and walking tours of Belfast; tours of the Ards peninsula and the National Trust property at Mount Stewart.
‘2012 sees a huge 32% increase on last year with 41 cruise ships bringing almost 75,000 visitors to the port. The continuing success of Belfast as a cruise call is testimony to the efforts of the Cruise Belfast Initiative; a marketing initiative between Belfast Harbour and Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB) which markets Belfast internationally as a leading destination for cruise ships visiting Northern Europe in the summer.’ (Belfast Harbour Authority)
The link below gives details of the schedule of cruise ship arrivals in the Port of Belfast during 2012.
https://www.belfast-harbour.co.uk/port/cruise-schedule
On each of these days, the tourism industry in Northern Ireland has to supply coaches and drivers plus tour guides to take the passengers from the ships on tours of Northern Ireland. These passengers may well need to have lunch at a hotel and spend time at an attraction.
Golf – Northern Ireland has some of the world’s finest links courses and, remarkably, produced three major golfing champions in the space of 15 months. This has raised the profile of Northern Ireland worldwide and has generated many enquiries, particularly from the USA.
Evidence Log 5 - Royal Portrush Golf Club
Investigate the website of Royal Portrush Golf Club. Think about three other sectors of the travel and tourism industry that would be involved in organising a tour for a group of golfers.
http://www.royalportrushgolfclub.comMICE – (Meetings, Incentive, Conferences and Exhibitions) the film industry in particular is very important to NI and the former Paint Hall from the Harland & Wolff shipyard has been converted into one of the biggest sound stages in Europe. A day’s filming is sent to Hollywood for overnight editing by high speed undersea cable.
Sporting activities – there are many activity centres which offer, for example, four- wheel drive courses, canoe trails and rock climbing. With a population of only 1.6 million in 5,200 square miles, there is plenty of room for outdoor activities. The Ulster rugby team also brings in regular visitors for league and European Rugby Cup matches.
Music and festivals – Derry/Londonderry will the UK Capital of Culture in 2013 and was also the first city in Northern Ireland to host the all-Ireland “Fleadh Ceol” (Music Fest). In addition to traditional Irish culture, Northern Ireland can offer that of the Ulster Scots tradition.
Accommodation - Northern Ireland has the usual range of accommodation: hotels, guest houses, hostels and apartments. In addition, Northern Ireland has a very strong range of bed and breakfasts, all of which are annually inspected by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board www.nitb.com.
Most of the hotel stock has been built in the past 15 years. Some “country house” hotels are converted mansions but many now boast spa and golf course facilities (Slieve Donard, and Galgorm Manor). Many of the more modern hotels are purpose-built to the same model as their counterparts in Great Britain.
During “The Troubles” very few investors would have considered NI and the main hotel group was Hastings Hotels http://www.hastingshotels.com/ which owns six hotels. However, the better security conditions and growth of tourism since 2000 has seen some GB chains enter the market including Premier Inn and Travelodge.
Evidence Log 6 - Tourist accomodation in Northern IrelandUsing the Northern Ireland Tourist Board website, research accommodation for the following customers and complete the table on the Evidence Log.