PICTURE Final Conference Session 1 Cultural Tourism and Urban Quality of Life Belfast, Bergen and Luxembourg Case Studies Margaret Sutherland Queens University Belfast

Belfast 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 Impact of Budget Airlines - introducing direct flights from European destinations Growing Recognition by policy makers that Cultural Tourism could make a contribution to:  Improving international image and reputation  Bringing economic, social and cultural benefits to the region  emphasising rich cultural heritage of music, art, literature and industry to replace images of conflict and violence

 Contrast with Liège and Mons- greater embracing of tourism and resulting increase in visitor numbers  “Pride” felt by local people wanting to show off their city  Economic potential seems to outweigh other concerns  Potential for peace and reconciliation welcomed (joint political tours)  Has helped to foster the cultural identity (Gaeltacht quarter) Initial PICTURE Results Qualitative studies undertaken within a local neighbourhood (interviews with residents group, local tourism body, local political representatives) Falls Road Community of West Belfast

Bergen Tourism is very mature. Site of Bryggen is on the World Heritage List 2004 statistics show that 225 cruise ships visited - total number of passengers 157, statistics cruise ships - total number of passengers 190,000 Economic turnover estimated at €600m with 6000 people employed in tourist related activities QoL Survey work complimented the PICTURE economic impact Research in the city centre (visitor surveys)

Luxembourg Mature in terms of tourism development UNESCO World Heritage List European Capital of Culture 2007 Resident Surveys also aimed at gauging attitudes towards the ECOC designation (further detail in next speaker’s presentation)

Belfast and Bergen 3000 households across the city surveyed by postal questionnaire Questions aimed at finding measures for identified indictors of community, emotional and, to a lesser extent, economic well being Luxembourg 1000 households across the city surveyed by postal questionnaire Questions aimed at finding measures for identified indictors as well as questions with regard to upcoming City of Culture designation (D16) Liège and Mons Survey of young people and Teachers from technical schools Survey conducted at City hall with citizens waiting for municipal services Quality of Life Survey Methodology

Ongoing Research - some initial trends

“Bottom - Up” Indicators of Resident Quality of Life

"One way of judging the impact that the tourism industry may have on communities is to assess the extent to which tourism contributes to the overall well-being or prosperity of a society." (Crouch 1999)  Data from residents’ surveys still being analysed  Extremely Positive attitudes towards tourists a surprise (particularly in Bergen)  Sustainable Technique which can be applied relatively quickly and cheaply by Local Authorities  Combined with detailed qualitative techniques at the neighbourhood level (research also undertaken as part of the PICTURE research in Belfast, Liege and Mons), can provide an important overview of impacts on residents of cultural tourism development Conclusions

PICTURE Final Conference Session 1 Cultural Tourism and Urban Quality of Life Belfast, Bergen and Luxembourg Case Studies Margaret Sutherland Queens University Belfast