Armagh is a great religious and educational hub, referred to as “the city of saints and scholars”. However, it doesn’t enjoy the same levels of tourism as some comparable areas of Northern Ireland.
In this article, we’re exploring some of the ways that Armagh’s tourism industry might be boosted for both cultural and economic benefit.
Celebrate Heritage
Armagh has a rich history, but it doesn’t capitalise on it to the same extent as some other cities. With a strong academic and religious heritage, Armagh could certainly afford to accentuate these qualities more.
The Robinson Library, Navan Centre and County Museum provide excellent attractions for tourists, but these places could use a shot in the arm, and perhaps additional funding, to bring them into the modern era. Revitalisation and the use of walkable, narrative-based heritage trails could create rewarding experiences for visitors.
Festivals and Events
Armagh’s Food and Cider Festival, which has now been running for 10 years, is a prime example of what Armagh should be doing more of. It’s proven to be massively popular, encouraging both locals and tourists to attend and mix, and it’s even won awards.
Seasonal events like the Food and Cider Festival have the power to boost the local economy significantly. Festivals can be used to celebrate any aspect of culture, from historical connections to modern cinema.
Enhance Infrastructure
Local infrastructure is a key concern for anyone looking to boost tourism. If there’s nowhere to park, or no straightforward route to the tourist attractions, visitors will simply drive straight through. The Into the West group, which campaigns in the region, recently highlighted the lacking railways of NI.
Areas that might benefit from improvement include revitalising the public transport systems, and creating more cycle paths so that tourists can get around in a carbon-friendly manner. It can be easy to overlook things like this, but, for Armagh, they would be a worthy long-term investment.
Source: Pexels
Digital Marketing
However, it’s no use having all of these great tourist attractions if individuals don’t know it’s there, meaning the local tourist board and councils must utilise the latest marketing techniques to ensure an increase in visitor numbers.
Limited time free promotions or welcome offers could offer a way to increase awareness and numbers, and other tourism boards have been known to offer free promotional opportunities to attract visitors and support businesses. Such promotions have been seen to be effective across all industries, particularly in digital industries like gaming and iGaming. Free spin offers are one of the most common digital promotions in the iGaming industry. Free demo options are similarly common, like this Big Bass Bonanza demo, allowing users to ‘try before they buy’.
Whilst in different industries, offering some form of free access, including possibly free museum entry or even free parking, shows how forms of promotion most commonly seen in digital industries can be similarly replicated in the tourism sector.
Targeted digital ads are a great way to reach the right people, meaning those who are actively searching for a holiday destination can be targeted directly.
Armagh has a great deal of tourism potential, and it’s just waiting to be leveraged. By incorporating some of the ideas discussed above, Armagh could become a destination for visitors from all over the world.
