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DIT-ACHIEV Carlingford & Cooley Peninsula Visitor and Business Survey. Results. 4 th October 2011. The DIT ACHIEV Model for Sustainable Tourism Management. A- Administration C- Community H- Heritage I- Infrastructure E- Enterprise V- Visitor.
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DIT-ACHIEV Carlingford & Cooley Peninsula Visitor and Business Survey Results 4th October 2011
The DIT ACHIEV Model for Sustainable Tourism Management • A-Administration • C-Community • H-Heritage • I-Infrastructure • E-Enterprise • V-Visitor Applying the Model in Carlingford and The Cooley Peninsula to assess how sustainably your destination is being managed over a period of time.
BusinessSurvey Results • Survey took place with 200 businesses in Carlingford & Cooley between April and June 2011. The survey was conducted face to face and online. Main Business Activity (%) Level of Reliance on Tourism (%)
BusinessSurvey Results Opinion on Management of Local Environment (%) Access to Broadband Services (%)
BusinessSurvey Results Business Operating Costs
BusinessSurvey Results Familiarity with Concept of Sustainability (%) Business & Environmental Practices (%)
Corporate Social Responsibility (%) BusinessSurvey Results Business Participation in Local Community Activities (%)
BusinessSurvey Results Business Participation in Local Co-operatives/ Partnerships (%)
BusinessSurvey Results • Overall Summary of Business Survey • Some key issues of concern which were raised were: • ·Rates and return on investment in relation to management of local environment & also management of street traders. • ·Operating costs—finance & energy costs in particular. • ·Lack of management of different visitor types & potential related anti-social behaviour. • ·Lack of high speed broadband in areas included in this study • Some key positive issues which were regularly raised were: • ·The quality of the local landscape & buildings • Areas for Development • ·Improved Environmental Management (e.g. litter & bin management, tree planting, protection of scenic views from development). • ·Greater Awareness & Promotion of Carlingford & the Cooley Peninsula as a tourism destination. • ·Ensure inclusion of all interested businesses in tourism development & central co-ordination of different groups towards a common goal. • ·Continued growth in tourism should be supported as it is an indigenous industry with employment potential that cannot be exported.
Visitor Country of Residence VisitorSurvey Results County of Origin - Republic of Ireland Visitors (%)
VisitorSurvey Results What is the main purpose of your visit? Why did you choose Carlingford?
VisitorSurvey Results Activities Undertaken in Carlingford (%)
Best Experience in Carlingford & Cooley Peninsula (%) VisitorSurvey Results Worst Experience in Carlingford & Cooley Peninsula (%)
Rating of Transport Management VisitorSurvey Results Main Mode of Transport TO / AROUND Carlingford (%)
VisitorSurvey Results Rating of Transport Issues Rating of Friendliness
What Visitors said about Carlingford & Cooley • Exquisite natural beauty, excellent hospitality, over and beyond expectations. Genuine local welcome. • Wonderful local cuisine whether in a formal restaurant or pub - the best of what Ireland has to offer. • A pleasure to come back to visit - A wonderful jewel - a quaint village; don't spoil it. • Beautiful scenery & friendly, warm, welcoming people. Will definitely be back. • First time in Ireland. It was excellent! Beautiful landscape, good food, nice people. Simply the best! • Picturesque setting - small & interesting village - a great release from busy city life - just what we needed. • Coming over the road from Ravensdale area to Omeath – Wonderful!. • Looking at Mourne Mountains & Seafront at breakfast time was great. • Destination is a secret. Not enough information for people to get here. Not previously aware of its heritage & beauty • Carlingford is traditional, rather than brash or tactless and naturally friendly- please try to keep it this way!
Summary • Results of both surveys are both generally very positive. • Given the complex economic situation nationwide, it cannot be said that some of the issues identified are unique to Carlingford and The Cooley Peninsula. • There is a high level of part time, casual and seasonal employment- could indicate little job security. • HOWEVER, most of the businesses provide continuous professional development for employees quality of employees is high • Visitor Satisfaction is very high 8.95 out of 10! • High level of repeat business • Poor weather and congestion appeared to be the main reasons for some dissatisfaction
Summary • Carlingford & the Cooley Peninsula’s USPs are in the areas of Adventure Tourism, Walking, Heritage, Festival/ Events & Food • The area should focus on these key niche market segments, targeting in particular visitors living within a 90 minute radius as a first priority.
What’s next? Data Collection √ Data Analysis √ Identification of Issues √ Planning for the Future