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Cultural Tourism in Regions of Conflict: The Northern Ireland Experience Margaret Sutherland Queens University Belfast

Cultural Tourism in Regions of Conflict: The Northern Ireland Experience Margaret Sutherland Queens University Belfast. Introduction. Background to Conflict Long history of sectarian or ethnic related conflict - divided culture / divided society/ divided spaces

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Cultural Tourism in Regions of Conflict: The Northern Ireland Experience Margaret Sutherland Queens University Belfast

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  1. Cultural Tourism in Regions of Conflict: The Northern Ireland Experience Margaret Sutherland Queens University Belfast

  2. Introduction Background to Conflict • Long history of sectarian or ethnic related conflict - divided culture / divided society/ divided spaces • “Troubles” or civil war started in 1969 • Good Friday Peace Agreement in 1998 • Ongoing violence and sectarian clashes • Still to reach a definitive political settlement

  3. Introduction Background to Cultural Tourism in N.I. • Traditional tourist market limited - day trippers from Republic of Ireland - visits to friends and family - small contribution to economy • Paramilitary ceasefires in mid 1990’s: • Growing interest in region from independent travellers seeking something different • Growing interest by investors resulting in quality venues • Impact of Budget Airlines - introducing direct flights from European destinations (Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona etc.)

  4. Motivations for Cultural Tourism Growing Recognition by policy makers that Cultural Tourism could make a contribution to the following: Improve the international image and reputation of the region Bring economic, social and cultural benefits to the region Chance to promote rich cultural heritage of music, art, literature and industry to replace images of conflict and violence Valuable opportunity to unite a divided society - by involving local communities and politicians - in order to develop and promote cultural tourism product Cross community Steering groups set up to develop and promote events and festivals, provide accommodation etc

  5. Some Issues • Physical Evidence of Conflict - peace lines, military installations, prisons, memorial sites • Celebration of cultural icons of conflict - Murals, marches, ‘martyrdom’ • How or Should such sensitive cultural heritage be “packaged” • Places attractive to visitors are often located in socially and economically deprived neighbourhoods.

  6. Ongoing Research PICTURE - Pro-active Management of the Impacts of Cultural Tourism Upon Urban Resources and Economies (EC funded 6th Framework Programme) Investigating socio cultural impacts of Cultural Tourism for residents Can Cultural Tourism strategies improve the quality of life of local residents? Identifying contribution which Cultural Tourism may have in image and identity of towns, villages and residents.

  7. Further Research Can Cultural Tourism foster an atmosphere conducive to stability and mediation through for example: Cross community networking/ steering groups? Community cultural tourism initiatives (Gaeltacht Cultural Quarter in west Belfast)? Economic benefits to communities outweighing old hostilities? Visitor environmental improvements contributing to regeneration of deprived neighbourhoods?

  8. Northern Ireland Experience Transferable Lessons? Must be an element of Peace Must be local political support for initiatives (Belfast and Derry City Councils) Work in partnership with local communities to develop support (‘de-sensitising’ of murals, bogside artist tours etc) Ongoing Issues Urban planning - removing physical barriers etc Entrenching of stereotypes “Zoo Tourism” Continuing divisions / continuing conflict

  9. Cultural Tourism in Regions of Conflict: The Northern Ireland Experience m.sutherland@qub.ac.uk www.picture-project.com

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