Results 4 th October 2011

Applying the Model in Carlingford and The Cooley Peninsula to assess how sustainably your destination is being managed over a period of time. A- Administration C- Community H- Heritage I- Infrastructure E- Enterprise V- Visitor

Survey took place with 200 businesses in Carlingford & Cooley between April and June The survey was conducted face to face and online. Main Business Activity (%) Level of Reliance on Tourism (%)

Opinion on Management of Local Environment (%) Access to Broadband Services (%)

Business Operating Costs

Familiarity with Concept of Sustainability (%) Business & Environmental Practices (%)

Corporate Social Responsibility (%) Business Participation in Local Community Activities (%)

Business Participation in Local Co-operatives/ Partnerships (%)

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 costsfinance & 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. Overall Summary of Business Survey

Visitor Country of Residence County of Origin - Republic of Ireland Visitors (%)

What is the main purpose of your visit? Why did you choose Carlingford?

Best Experience in Carlingford & Cooley Peninsula (%) Worst Experience in Carlingford & Cooley Peninsula (%)

Rating of Transport Management Main Mode of Transport TO / AROUND Carlingford (%)

Rating of Transport Issues Rating of Friendliness

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!

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

Carlingford & the Cooley Peninsulas 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.

Planning for the Future Identification of Issues Data Analysis Data Collection

Thank you!