Irish self-representation in tourism M. ADORJĂ N ELTE, BP.
Tourists in Ireland 6.29m number of visitors in 2011 200,000 jobs, 4% GDP
6,000 tourism jobs created
in the last six months Economic impact Britain, the US, France, and Germany = 80% of visitors
Types of main attractions
Built heritage Traditional and living culture, crafts Natural heritage
Festivals and events Business tourism City experiences (short breaks)
The Blarney Castle Experience
Tourism destinations A key attraction or
+ supplementary
activity Instantly recognizable = a key identity A must-see place
products + supplementary attractions + supplementary services (food, accommodation) = a complete experience
A key attraction or activity: Blarney Stone Kissing the stone: ’The gift of the gab’
cultural experience +
enchanted fairy-tale context = wellstructured commercial product
The Blarney Stone ď‚— The origin of the famous
Blarney Stone itself is unknown; theories (to be taken with a large pinch of salt) range from it having once been part of the Stone of Scone (held at Edinburgh Castle) presented to a local chieftain by Robert the Bruce; to being a fragment of the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. Read more: http://www.frommers.com/ destinations/corkcity/A1975 1.html#ixzz251qdRbWJ
ď‚— It's
wedged far enough underneath the battlements to make it uncomfortable to reach, but not far enough that countless tourists don't bend over backward, hang upside down in a parapet, and kiss it in hopes of increased loquaciousness. It's customary to tip the attendant who holds your legs (you might want to do it before he hangs you over the edge).
Supplementary products, attractions and services ď‚— The Great National
Blarney Hotel Golf and Spa Resort **** ď‚— Blarney Woolen Mills Hotel
Blarney Woollen Mills once a small souvenir shop in a
thatched cottage on wheels now the largest Irish store in the world now occupies a space of 60,000 square ft is a key feature of the renowned Irish village
The Worry Stone Exploiting the long-standing oral tradition, ’story tellers’ will interpret any object as legendary. Everything seems to have the potential to evolve into a unique cultural experience.
Live webcam
The rise of the Leprechaun ď‚—
instead of more religiously loaded motifs
ď‚—
More PC?
St. Patrick’s Day (?) spectacular craic
Cultural/heritage tourism fastest growing area of tourism
internationally 3.3 million visitors to sites of historical/cultural interest over €2.2 billion generated 54% to total overseas tourism revenue Visitors who engage with Ireland’s culture & heritage tend to: stay longer spend more be affluent, well-travelled, highly educated and socially concerned be middle-aged couples, either with older or no children
be interested in learning while on
holiday look for themed & authentic experiences originate in mainland Europe – this market accounts for 43% of tourists visiting cultural/historical attractions. Historic towns: rich and varied
past, an interesting stock of historic buildings and a good story to tell
Cultural tourism in Ireland Benefits:
successfully exploits and
economic growth,
markets its cultural heritage linking it to sites of natural beauty emphasizing the authenticity Successful commercial products
generating local
employment, raising national pride increasing awareness of cultural heritage
Successful commercial products new generation of artists
re-inventing folk-art
Celtic motifs
educating customers
about traditional musical instruments as products (tin whistles or bodhráns sold with music sheets)
City events: traditional and modern Bloomsday, 16 June
Merrion Square: a model for future
tourism projects Opening historic buildings for public Community events walking tours, mid-week lunchtime music performances and talks in key building
September on the Square
Involving children: Sharing Our Stories initiative two new dramatic
Interactive
tours: living history tours opened to visitors in medieval Galway and The Viking Triangle in Waterford. ‘Tribes Alive’, a dramatic walk through the medieval streets of Galway, and animated tours of three of the historic visitor
Animated, visual attractions in Waterford’s
recently revitalised cultural quarter, the Viking Triangle will allow visitors to interact with our heritage and learn about our stories by bringing great local stories to life using larger than life local characters and famous local events.
Students’ about Ireland: the Irish Spirit Hungarian students: Music, dancing Irish whiskey, Guinness, Irish coffee (??)
The Emerald Isle, landscape St. Patrick’s Day, leprechaun Irish letters
International students: Irish or English?
Whiskey, Guinness Golf, baseball