6. Tourism Vision and Strategy Recommendations 6.1
Proposed Strategy
6.2
Recommendations
Taking full consideration of the research conducted in the preceding sections of this report, the Strategy for tourism development in Antrim and Newtownabbey over the next five years will create awareness and encourage tourism and recreational use of the Borough’s resources. Developments to facilitate such usage will focus on the maintenance of the authenticity of its living cultural heritage, conserve built historical heritage, and preserve its natural heritage, nature, waterways and outdoor environment.
Recommendations to support the development of the tourism sector in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area are presented below. Several development opportunities and associated themes have emerged; these include: •
• •
Visitor Experience and Product Development including developments under: Culture and Heritage; Natural Heritage; Outdoors; Festivals and Events; Business tourism; Accommodation; Food and the Evening Economy, each supported by the development of clusters and corridors; and engaging with visitor markets activities. Access and Infrastructure including developments under: Visitor Information Centres; Transport Facilities; and Services Directional and interpretative signage; and People and Skills Development.
6.3
Visitor Experience and Product Development
6.3.1
Culture and Heritage
There is a rich culture and heritage across the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough that lends itself to providing a narrative for tourism products and events. There is a considerable amount of positive activity already under way. The recommendations below build on this activity, and propose further enhancement and development where appropriate. THEME: ANCIENT CELTIC AND MEDIEVAL ATTRACTIONS: Antrim Round Tower; Cranfield Church and Holy Well; Donegore Motte; and Rams Island. TARGET MARKETS: Culturally Curious. CURRENT OR PLANNED ACTIVITY AND DEVELOPMENTS: Cranfield Church and Holy Well: plans are underway to develop a walkway around the site. Ram’s Island: project plans aligned to HLF funding include an archaeology project. Pilgrimage trails: GROW South Antrim has identified several cooperation tourism projects; these include: Pilgrimage trails - Develop religious based walking and cycling trails leading to the economic development of corridors along the routes. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT: Antrim Round Tower: This is recognised as a good example of an early round tower by experts as one of the finest in Ireland. There is a market (albeit niche and small) to develop links to other round towers
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council: Tourism Strategy 2017-2022
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