Evidence Log 7 - The Titanic Exhibition
Find out more about the new Titanic exhibition in Belfast at
http://www.titanicbelfast.com
Think about four types of visitors in particular the exhibition might appeal to and explain your reasons on the Evidence Log.
Prior to 2000, Northern Ireland’s main attractions consisted mainly of natural landscape. For such a small country, comprising only six counties, the diversity of scenery is unique. From the hexagonal stones of the Giant’s Causeway to the limestone caves at Marble Arch; from the beaches of the north coast at Portstewart and Portrush to the mountains of Mourne and the lakes of Fermanagh, Northern Ireland has superb scenery.
However, tourism strategy began to change in the 90s when the Tourist Board realised that “scenery is not enough” and in recent years, there has been major investment in attractions which relate the history of both cultural traditions.
As part of this strategy a number of major projects have been identified. These include:
The Titanic
The Titanic was built and launched in Belfast 100 years ago and the city has been able to capitalise on the ongoing interest in the ‘unsinkable’ vessel which was hit by an iceberg and sank during her maiden voyage across the Atlantic. A major new exhibition, housed in an iconic building next to the dock where the ship was built in 1912, has recently been opened.
The Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway has always been one of the ‘must do’ attractions in Northern Ireland. Most tourists to the province will pay a visit to the attraction, which is seen very much as a ‘honeypot’ destination.
In 2012 a new visitor centre was opened at the Giant’s Causeway by the National Trust to cater for the ever increasing number of visitors. This ‘state-of-the-art’ facility provides audio tours in a number of languages and can manage the increasing number of coach parties from tours and cruise ships.
The increasing popularity of the Giant’s Causeway has meant that in busy periods parking has become an issue and so park and ride scheme from the nearby town of Bushmills is now provided.
Evidence Log 8 - Tourist FacilitiesSummarise the facilities provided by the National Trust at the Giant’s Causeway using the link below. Use the Evidence Log to record your findings:
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway
Major events
The 2012 Irish Open at Portrush generated an income of over one million euros and brought in 130,000 visitors to Northern Ireland during the four days of the tournament.
In 2013 the World Police and Fire Games will be held in Belfast and other towns in Northern Ireland. Building on the legacy of the London Olympics and the new-found confidence in hosting major events, the event is expected to attract 10,000 competitors and 15,000 visitors.