Latest news
Update on the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework
Over the last few months, the project team has been working on the Situational Analysis, conducting desk-based research and stakeholder consultations on the current approach to sustainable tourism in Seychelles. These consultations involved a series of workshops and discussions held in February 2024 with government officials, industry groups and associations, academic institutions and training organisations, and NGO participants across Mahe, La Digue, and Praslin, in addition to targeted interactions with smaller groups and individuals across the islands.
The analysis of the information has been broken down into a series of topics or pillars related to sustainable tourism, enabling the identification of areas where the sector can strengthen its approach to sustainable tourism. Once the areas have been identified, a process of selecting appropriate interventions will be followed.
This has resulted in a draft Strategic Directions paper which has been submitted and is being reviewed by the Department of Tourism. This will form the basis for the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework which will be presented and validated in May.
Update provided in April 2024.

Consultation workshop in Seychelles in February 2024 (Photo by Issa Torres).
Destination Management Plan Review for VisitEngland
VisitEngland is looking to develop a new England Tourism Strategy. A key consideration within this will be local needs and opportunities and the role of Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) and Destination Development Partnerships (DDPs). As part of the implementation of LVEPs around England, there will be comprehensive set of Destination Management Plans (DMPs) and Tourism Strategies.
VisitEngland, as background to the national strategy, commissioned us to undertake a review of the current DMPs and relevant national strategies. The review has focused on the themes, priorities, opportunities and challenges within, recommendations on key areas of focus for the England strategy as a result of the strategy review process, and improvements to current VisitEngland’s DMP guidance.
Project awarded in March 2024. Update provided in April 2024.
Hull and East Yorkshire Conference Strategy
We have recently been working on exciting project in Hull and East Yorkshire. The area has significant potential within the conference market but in the post-Covid period it has not been realising this. We were commissioned to undertake research by Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) and Hotel Association (HEYHA) into current performance and markets, review marketing and sales activity , and identify a future strategy.
Research involved detailed consultations and survey with venues and key agencies, and desk research. This identified the current situation and a number of key opportunities – some of the area’s key sectors (like its decarbonising economy), the compact city centre and potentially unique experiences, and a great value for money offer.
The strategy has outlined a detailed action plan based around VHEY’s available resources that formulates a roadmap of activity for the next five years and a series of growth targets.
Project awarded in December 2023. Update provided in April 2024.
Hull Guildhall, Hull, UK. Photo by Robert Stirling on Unsplash.
.
Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework
This project for the development of the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework is being undertaken by TEAM Tourism Consulting and TRC Tourism for the Government of Seychelles Tourism Department.
The project, started in November 2023, has the following key objectives:
- Build a shared understanding and commitment to create a better type of tourism for the Seychelles.
- Establish a framework that provides a clear and shared vision, and provides policies and actions needed to transform tourism to make it more resilient, prosperous and inclusive of communities of the Seychelles.
- Develop guiding tools as well as establish a monitoring, evaluation and learning framework to facilitate progress towards achieving sustainable tourism and strengthen the capacity of stakeholders in managing the impact of tourism development in Seychelles.
Stakeholder engagement is key to this project and extensive stakeholders consultations will be undertaken including online, face-to-face, workshops and social pinpoint.
The project team consists of four consultants with specialist expertise and experience relating to tourism sustainability:
- Penny Spoelder (TRC Tourism – Team Leader), a sustainable tourism expert with more than 30 years’ experience as both a consultant and practitioner, working in tourism planning, destination development and project delivery.
- Dr Anna Spenceley (TEAM – Strategic Advisor), an international expert in sustainable and responsible tourism, with a particular focus on biodiversity, conservation and protected areas. She has a thorough knowledge of Seychelles and has written many reports on its tourism sector, with particular regard to sustainability and conservation, since 2005.
- Issa Torres (TEAM – Sustainable Tourism Consultant), with more than 12 years’ experience across 20+ countries in the fields of sustainable tourism, protected areas, coastal tourism, cultural heritage, ecotourism, marketing and hospitality skills development.
- Rossetta Alcindor (appointed by TEAM as local consultant and anchor), based in Mahé, with broad experience working with local civil society organisations specialised particularly in sustainable tourism, (food & plastic) waste management, and climate adaptation/mitigation.
The project ongoing is due to be completed in July 2024.
Baie Lazare, Seychelles (Photo by Kevin Kyburz on Unsplash).
Fáilte Ireland’s new Multi Party Framework for Tourism Development Strategies for Outdoor Activity Products and Experiences
In October 2023, TEAM was delighted to be appointed to Fáilte Ireland’s new Multi Party Framework for Tourism Development Strategies for Outdoor Activity Products and Experiences.
On this framework, TEAM has partnered with TRC Tourism and will be led by TEAM’s Senior Consultant, Jennifer Houiellebecq. Jennifer, based in Northern Ireland, has extensive experience in strategic and corporate planning for the tourism industry and has worked in a wide range of projects relating to destination development, visitor experience and product development, destination planning, tourism research, marketing, and organisational analysis. Jennifer has significant knowledge of the outdoor activity and experiences sector in Ireland and has developed a range of destination strategies that have a strong emphasis on rural recreation and the development of sustainable experiences that promote the nature-based assets of the country, including eight Destination and Experience Development Plans along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The core team will also include:
- Clare Jones (TEAM, based in Northern Ireland) who has 25+ years’ experience in planning and delivery of strategic plans for outdoor recreation, including trail development.
- Humphrey Murphy (TEAM, based in Co. Donegal), a specialist in outdoor recreation strategy, programming and facility development who has worked over many years to realise the potential of Blue and Green outdoor recreation throughout the RoI at strategic and operational levels.
- Jon Munro (TEAM, South Wales) with 20+ years’ experience in strategy development and management of outdoor recreation products and experiences.
The team will be supported by experts senior consultants and associates from TEAM and TRC Tourism.
October 2023.
Photo by Tommy Kwak on Unsplash
Grant Funding and Bid Writing Toolkit for Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs)
TEAM is currently working on a project commissioned by VisitEngland and led by MSC Ltd aimed at providing the newly formed accredited LVEPs in England with support in the form of resources and tools equipping them with the knowledge and skills to secure grants, write funding bids and respond to business enquiries.
The toolkit will contain advice and resources for people who are less experienced or new to the task and as a refresher for those that are more experienced. The toolkit will be divided into sections: sections 1-3 are about preparation (finding funding; groundwork; funding fundamentals), section 4 is about process (applying for funding) and sections 5-8 provide or signpost to practical resources (tools and templates; information sources; top tips; and jargon buster).
The toolkit will be complemented by a searchable document identifying funding opportunities now and in the short-term future. Training material is also being prepared to form part of VisitEngland tourism training activity provision.
Project ongoing – started in February 2023 and due for completion at the end of April 2023.
Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash
Sussex Wine Tourism Hub Feasibility Study
Sussex Modern, the wine tourism development agency for Sussex, is investigating the development of a hub or visitor centre and commissioned TEAM to provide a high level feasibility study for a potential visitor centre.
Wine centres can be categorised into three main groups (albeit these may overlap slightly): Museums / visitor attractions; Centres that are vineyard-specific / private; and Information / orientation centres. The work outlined case studies of a number of existing wine centres around the world of differing types, scales, and operating models, as well as the core conclusions arising from these.
TEAM also consulted with Sussex’s vineyards to gather their views in terms of what they need or want from a potential hub.
Project completed in January 2023.
Sussex Modern Facebook page
Destination Management Handbook by the World Bank Group
Towards the end of 2022, TEAM’s Managing Director, Dr Roger Carter, supported by TEAM Associates, David Ward-Perkins and Gaëlle Connolly, completed work on the World Bank Group’s first ‘Destination Management Handbook’. This is aimed primarily at ‘emerging destinations’ – i.e. destinations that require sound strategic and operational planning and an effective implementation structure, in order to realise their tourism potential cost-effectively and sustainably, using the UN SDGs as a framework.
The Handbook covers the following: The value of good destination management; Initiating the destination management process; Understanding the market; Destination management functions; Achieving quality, sustainability and resilience; Operating in the digital world; Establishment and management of DMOs; and The key lessons of the Handbook.
For more details and to download the handbook click here.
Project completed at the end of 2022.
Cover of the Destination Management Handbook by the World Bank Group
Destination Management Plan (DMP) Refresh for Lincolnshire Wolds
As a relatively ‘new’ destination, the Lincolnshire Wolds has the opportunity to pursue a more genuinely sustainable management approach than established areas. Whilst both the existing DMP and the research that underpins it underline the work that is required to build awareness of the destination, a strong start has been made with high quality online marketing tools and stakeholder support from both public and private sectors.
Given the transformational impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on leisure and tourism behaviours, Visit Lincoln and its partners commissioned TEAM to review and refresh their DMP in light of current trends. The work involved: Strategic, Research, Product and Media Review; Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement; Client Group Workshop; Presentation to stakeholders followed by wider consultation to feed into the production of the final DMP.
(Project completed in February 2023)
Alford, Lincolnshire Wolds, Photo by martin bennie on Unsplash
Marketing Growth Strategy – Lancashire Visitor Growth Strategy – Marketing Lancashire
Lancashire is a complex destination with different offers (including substantial rural areas and two AONBs) but no strong USPs. TEAM was commissioned to produce a focused strategy that could generate growth for the county (Sept 2019 – Feb 2020).
The work on the strategy included:
- A product audit that focused on the relative strengths and dimensions of Lancashire’s offer against a number of motivational themes, for example Family Fun, Active, Discovery;
- A segmentation and baseline analysis;
- Stakeholder consultation including workshops around the county;
- Site visits;
- A SWOT analysis;
- Steering group workshops;
- Developing aspiration growth targets for the county.
The strategy identified two primary experience themes – Wellness and Discovery, and Fun and Entertainment. Underpinning this was the concept of SMART Tourism which bases tourism development and management on five cross-cutting pillars: innovation, technology, sustainability, accessibility and governance. Specific project areas were identified within each of three strategic priorities.
TEAM also worked with Marketing Lancashire on providing plans that have been revised for post-Covid delivery and integrate Tourism, Culture and Place.
(Project completed in October 2022)
Cleveleys, Lancashire, Photo by Pete Godfrey on Unsplash
Wrexham Destination Management Plan (DMP)
Wrexham County has been proactively developing its visitor economy for the last decade with numerous successes. In March 2022, Wrexham County Borough Council contracted TEAM to build on these (particularly the WHS and the emergence of Wrexham as a cultural hub) but also to provide a framework to address future challenges and opportunities – e.g. post-Covid recovery, the City of Culture shortlisting and bid opportunity, Levelling Up, sustainable development, continued development of destination profile, and visitor dwell time and spend.
TEAM’s approach to producing the DMP for Wrexham consisted of: Destination review; Consultation with stakeholders; Primary research; Situation and Options Report; Workshop to discuss ideas, options and priorities for the future to feed into the production of the DMP itself.
(Project completed in November 2022)
Cairngorms National Park Market Research
Cairngorms National Park Authority (CPNA) and its partners commissioned TEAM to carry out market research to guide decisions on how the destination could be most effectively positioned around the themes of sustainability and winter tourism beyond snow sports.
The research consisted of four key elements:
- A review of existing data held by CNPA and its partners;
- Analysis of relevant national and international data;
- Identification of best practices in competitor destinations in relation to sustainability and winter tourism; and
- Focused primary research to ‘stress test’ and augment the findings of the above work.
TEAM produced an Advisory Report setting out the key findings of the research and identifying the key target audience for the Cairngorms winter and sustainability messaging. It then goes on to recommend a positioning and messaging strategy for winter tourism and the key messages that the destination can use to communicate its sustainability initiatives.
(Project completed in July 2022)
Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore, Photo by Jack Skinner on Unsplash
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) Visitor Marketing Review
In January 2022, WWT commissioned TEAM to carry out a thorough review of its approach to visitor marketing, with the dual objectives of increasing the number and value of its visitors from 2022 onwards, particularly during quieter periods of the year. The brief was focused on producing actionable recommendations which can be implemented practically by both the national and local visitor marketing teams.
The review comprised a number of key stages which were summarised in a Final Report: Situation Analysis; Audience Insights Research; Strategy and Positioning; and Recommendations for Implementation. The analysis and recommendations set out give a road map for marketing transformation.
(Project completed in July 2022)
Arundel Wetlands, Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
Bed-stock Audit for the South of Scotland
At the end of 2021, TEAM was commissioned by South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) to produce a bed-stock accommodation audit for the South of Scotland (Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway). The brief for the audit was to provide not only core factual details on sector, capacity, geography, facilities etc. but also richer content, including employment and Fair Work, Net Zero credentials and accessible tourism.
To achieve the objectives, TEAM sourced and aggregated the widest possible range of sources of accommodation data and listings and integrated them using both digital and manual de-duping. To obtain richer, qualitative information, TEAM also made enquiries direct to operators via a questionnaire, for a deeper dive on issues unavailable from accommodation databases.
The deliverables for the project focused on:
- Dynamic and intuitive displays of data, delivered as: Interactive online mapping of the database (which can be filtered and sorted by many factors and presented as individual heatmap HTML files, for use as a visual aid);
- Master database in Excel;
- Interactive dashboard (a visual display of the most important project information arranged on a user-friendly single screen); and
- A top line report explaining the methodology and high level results, graphics and insights with further commentary, tables and detail in appendices.
(Project completed in May 2022)
Business Events Ireland Roadmap for Recovery & Growth, 2022-2027
In October 2021, Fáilte Ireland contracted TEAM (as lead contractor) and its partners, Irish MICE consultancy SoolNua and British marketing and branding agency Kemosabe, to develop a roadmap to set out Fáilte Ireland’s ambition for Ireland as a leading business events destination by providing a recovery plan that combats the impact of COVID-19 and a growth plan that leverages the opportunity to “build back better”.
Our overall approach was the classical one: commencing with research and consultation, as the basis for development first of the overall strategy and then the action plans, all the time working in close liaison with Fáilte Ireland and partners, particularly in shaping and funding the action proposals.
The Roadmap delivered consisted of three core components: the Strategic Outcomes, which represent what Fáilte Ireland (FI) want to achieve. Secondly a series of Pillars which represent what FI want to do – their action areas. Thirdly, underlying the Pillars, are the Foundation Principles. The analysis and recommendations were presented to Fáilte Ireland’s Business Tourism Recovery Taskforce and priorities determined in February 2022. The final report was submitted to Fáilte Ireland in March 2022. Adoption of the report by Fáilte Ireland and its parent government department is awaited.
(Project completed in March 2022)
Convention Centre Dublin, Photo by Andrei Carina on Unsplash
‘Shape of Events’ Report – working together as a single united industry
TEAM was commissioned by the Business Visits & Events Partnership (BVEP) to prepare its ‘Shape of Events’ Report. Senior Associate, Richard Smith, authored the report with John Gallery, Chair of the BVEP’s Research Group.
The report, published on 6th September, includes an overview of the current landscape, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and insights into the road to recovery and building back better. The report, sponsored by brand communications agency davies tanner, was compiled using responses from over 300 professionals and organisations from across the UK events sector.
Read the press release here and download the report here.
6 September 2021
ETC releases a new report on ‘The Changing Tourism Environment and its Impact on the Work of National Tourism Organisations (NTOs)’
As a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change and the challenges of ensuring sustainability, tourism globally is in a critical period of transition. Recognising this, the European Travel Commission (ETC) commissioned TEAM to prepare a comprehensive report about the impact of the changing tourism environment on the work of NTOs, past, present and future. The study investigates the ways in which European NTOs have been evolving over the past decade and provides forward-looking insights and recommendations for achieving sustainable tourism development. The report also reviews the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on NTOs and identifies lessons from the crisis that will help to build future resilience for the tourism industry.
The report, prepared by TEAM Tourism Consulting, has been designed as a practical and easy-to-use resource for European National Tourism Organisations to:
- Help them visualise the ways in which their future roles and responsibilities should transform
- Propose innovative approaches that can improve their work efficiency and overall value
- Propose new concepts for measuring the success of strategic and operational activity.
The project involved a substantial programme of research and consultation and starts by reviewing the evolution of European National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), together with changes in the tourism environment, during the period 2008-2021, at the European level and for five individual countries.
The report sets out ‘The ETC Vision for Europe’s NTOs’ and a set of Strategic Objectives relating to it. Each of the Strategic Objectives contributes to several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In order to deliver these objectives, there are three Strategic Priorities for NTO Action and eight Critical Success Factors for NTOs. The Strategic Priorities are:
- Ensuring tourism’s sustainability
- Strengthened destination management (DM)
- Digital transformation in the tourism sector.
And the Critical Success Factors for NTOs are:
- Strategic direction and leadership
- Effective partnership building
- Funding for transformation
- Real-time market insights
- Focused performance measurement
- Digital transformation education for NTO staff
- Crisis management/ communications readiness.
The Report reviews each of the Strategic Priorities and Critical Success Factors in turn and recommends potential areas for action by NTOs. In each case, there are case studies of existing initiatives by NTOs in Europe and other parts of the world, demonstrating innovative approaches.
Please click here to read ETC press release for summary of key conclusions and here to access the full report.
26 July 2021
A national online distribution strategy for visitor experiences in the Republic of Ireland
During the summer of 2020, TEAM and CT Consults prepared a national online distribution strategy for visitor experiences (including tours, attractions and events) for Fáilte Ireland, the tourism development authority for the Republic of Ireland. Based on a programme of research and consultation, the report set out an overall strategic approach, designed to “…enable consumers to discover and book Irish experiences through the channels that are most convenient for them and that offer them the best value — while helping the Irish experiences sector to operate more efficiently and to grow.” It included a three-part action plan, focused initially on engagement, education and support for experience suppliers, with the objective of ensuring that every supplier has the booking and operational management solution that will best need their needs, enabling distribution through their own direct sales mechanisms and through the most cost-effective intermediary channels.
Later in 2020, Fáilte Ireland commissioned two pilot projects, one in Ireland’s Ancient East, the other in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, following which, it is rolling out a national programme called ‘Digital that Delivers’ during the second half of 2021. Our partner, CT Consults, is one of three companies managing this large scale project, the aim of which is to ensure that the providers of visitor experiences in Ireland have the digital capabilities, skills and know-how to improve their booking revenues and operational efficiencies, their websites and their online marketing, to cross-sell with other attractions and to bolster Ireland’s online appeal to potential visitors.
6 July 2021
World Class Visitor Centre Case Studies
In October 2020, Visit Greenwich and the Old Royal Naval College Greenwich commissioned TEAM to prepare cases studies on world class visitor centres to inform and inspire the Greenwich tourism stakeholders in their desire to create an outstanding and innovative visitor centre which would tell the story of Greenwich in general and the old Royal Naval College in particular.
In an initial stage, a long list of potential case studies was compiled, subsequently scored against broad criteria of relevance to Visit Greenwich in a view to select a shortlist of centres. Extensive desk research was carried out on the shortlisted centres and three case studies were chosen by the client for in-depth interview, in order to gain more detailed insights.
Generally, the key purpose of a visitor centre is a balance of three main elements:
- Visitor attraction, with interpretation
- Visitor information
- Destination orientation element, cross-selling the wider destination.
These core functions may be complemented by secondary activities, typically commercial or supporting the main centre functions – e.g. temporary exhibitions, events, venue hire, retail, café/restaurant etc.
The top six centres identified in our research for aspects of relevance to Visit Greenwich, including the main interpretation / storytelling techniques and the way they are used, were: La Cité du Vin (France), Roman Rimini Visitor Centre (Italy), Dublin Visitor Centre (Republic of Ireland), Pont du Gard WHS Centre (France), Bannockburn Visitor Centre and Battle Experience (Scotland), and Derry Visitor Information Centre (Northern Ireland).
We provided many pointers for Visit Greenwich’s strategic discussion about the evolution of its centre – primary purpose(s), audience, positioning, interpretation, commercial activity.
March 2021
Southampton Destination Management Plan (2020/21)
TEAM has prepared a ten year Destination Management Plan (DMP) for Southampton City Council. This is intended to provide a framework for their UK City of Culture bid identifying activity that needs to take place before the potential City of Culture, but also longer term aspirations for the city building on its bid.
The development of the DMP included:
- Product and market analysis leading to an identification of potential motivational themes;
- One-to-one stakeholder consultations and two visioning workshops – all conducted remotely;
- Primary research into visitor and non-visitor perceptions based on an internet panel of respondents within a two hour catchment area . This identified the strongest propositions for Southampton and its competitive strengths against neighbouring destinations;
- Site visits.
This evidence base was brought together in a Situation Report which analysed Southampton’s current position and its options for future activities. Following a Visioning Workshop, a forward strategy was agreed with stakeholders and this was translated into the 10-year plan. Accompanying this 10-year plan is a more focused three-year action plan which identifies a series of projects designed to deliver against the plan’s four primary objectives. These projects include a description, a rating of their priority, approximate cost, delivery responsibility and timescales.
In parallel to the development of the DMP, we looked at delivery options in the city. Initially five options for the development of a Destination Management Organisation (DMO) were identified building on an appraisal of the current situation and based on different levels of ambition and investment. Following stakeholder discussions one option has been developed in more detail. This was based on a ‘Virtual DMO’ or Destination Management Partnership. This included strengthening both City Council resource for the visitor economy (additional funding was secured on the back of DMP) and partnership delivery arrangements with other organisations in the city. The action plan was a key element of this.
March 2021

Southampton, juxtaposition of old and new – Photo by Belinda Fewings on Unsplash
Development of Chesterfield Visitor Economy over the next 5 years (2021-26)
In March 2021, TEAM was commissioned by Chesterfield Borough Council to prepare a Visitor Economy Strategy and Action Plan and set out options and make recommendations for their effective management and delivery.
The work programme has been structured as a three-stage process that builds sequentially to achieve a market-focused, effective and deliverable Visitor Economy Strategy and Action Plan:
Stage 1 – Taking Stock: Developing the evidence base and options
Stage 2 – Taking shape: Options and consultations
Stage 3 – Moving forward: Strategy and service delivery.
The Visitor Economy Strategy will set the vision, strategic targets and priorities, and markets for growing Chesterfield’s visitor economy over the next 5 years, while the Action Plan will comprise a series of projects potentially grouped into programmes covering:
- The development of current visitor assets;
- Capitalising on major development projects;
- Events and festivals development;
- Digital destination marketing;
- Visitor information.
The project is due to finish in the second half of 2021.
March 2021

Chesterfield Church Spire – Photo by Huw Edwards on Unsplash
Changing environment for NTOs
In October 2020, TEAM started work for the European Travel Commission on the preparation of a new Handbook on The Changing Tourism Environment and its Impact on the Work of National Tourism Organisations (NTOs). The overall objectives are:
- To illustrate how NTOs’ mandates and responsibilities, financing mechanisms and understanding of tourism success have evolved over the past decade.
- To examine how the changes in the tourism environment have impacted the work of NTOs.
- To provide strategic recommendations that will encourage and support NTOs in adopting strategies and activities for the sustainable development of tourism.
Key aspects of the changing environment impacting on NTO activities include: digital technologies and applications; the need for new business models; NTOs involvement in destination management; and to play an active role in achieving the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals; Sustainability and the elimination of overtourism; and the impact of Covid-19 and potential future emergencies and disasters on tourism.
The work programme will involve desk research, gathering and analysis of NTO data, stakeholder interviews, input from a panel of expert strategic thinkers, case studies of good practice, vision and strategy development. The final output will be a practical, easy-to-use handbook to help ETC’s NTO members to transform their future roles and responsibilities and to develop innovative approaches to improving their cost-effectiveness and defining “tourism success”.
8 February 2021
Revising the business model for a major visitor attraction
The significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on tourism and recreation is such that when travel resumes again tourism and hospitality operators will be operating in a very different environment.
Recognising this, one of TEAM’s clients in Northern Ireland, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, recently asked TEAM to review and revise the business model for its main visitor attraction, The Gobbins, and assist the Council with setting out a new, more dynamic vision to ensure its future prosperity as a world-class, must-visit location.
Using directly relevant expertise in visitor attractions management, TEAM has produced a model that will identify the effect on business of three different scenarios relating to the impact of Covid-19 on tourism and recreational travel. The main report was submitted for consideration by the end of June.
9 September 2020
Estimating the economic value of Tourist Information Centres in Ireland
With visitors to destinations being able to access a wide range of information through their smartphone, there has been increasing debate about the role and value of tourist information centres within destinations. A key consideration in such debate is the economic benefit that derives from the operation of such centres. It was in this context that, in February of this year, TEAM was asked by Fáilte Ireland (the tourism development authority for the Republic of Ireland) to provide a method for calculating the economic benefit.
There was not the time or funding to undertake primary research, so TEAM undertook a desk research exercise. It involved reviewing all readily available research that had been undertaken on TIC impacts – the most relevant of which were from England, Wales and Australia. The outputs from these studies were used to develop a series of ratios that could be applied to TIC visitor data, in order to calculate impact. On this basis, TEAM produced an interactive model that could be used to calculate the impact of each of Fáilte Ireland’s TICs according to its circumstances and visitors flows. The work was completed within five weeks.
5 July 2020
New book: Tourism Routes and Trails
Tourism Routes and Trails is about tourism on the move, with journeys that extend over multiple sites, a territory or landscape. The three authors of the book David Ward-Perkins, Christina Beckmann and Jackie Ellis are all consultants or partners of TEAM. This book investigates why routes and trails are such powerful vectors of tourism, and how they impact tourism businesses, local populations and other stakeholders. It includes a rich selection of contemporary examples and cases, showing the reader best practice as well as illustrating challenges and risks.
19 February 2020

CABI book cover
Arzamas-Diveevo tourism cluster
Arzamas-Diveevo tourism cluster, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, in rural Russia, is famous for its religious heritage. Working with Strelka-KB, a Moscow-based urban design consultant, TEAM Associate David Ward-Perkins developed a tourism design and strategy to open up the small town of Arzamas and its surrounding villages, for cultural tourism.
19 February 2020

Orekhovets
Pilot Destination Management Plans for Rhodes and Santorini
In April 2019, EBRD, with financial support from the EU, commissioned three tourism consultancies (TEAM, Toposophy and Yellow Railroad) to prepare Destination Management Plans (DMPs) for the islands of Rhodes and Santorini, together with a Guide to the Preparation of DMPs, to be used as the basis for tourism planning in other Greek destinations. The primary purpose of the project was to create a clear vision for sustainable tourism development and identify priorities for destination management in each island. The EBRD specified that the plans should be designed to: Maximise destination performance (e.g. visitor spending, longevity of tourist season) and develop solutions to avoid or minimise negative impacts of tourism; Facilitate the development of experiences that meet visitor needs and expectations, reflect the destination vision and brand and facilitate the elements of a journey within a destination; and Engage local stakeholders and communities in shaping the future of their destination. The project concluded in January 2020.
January 2020

Rhodes
Snapshot of TEAM’s activities in 2018/19
2018 was a most interesting and busy year for TEAM Tourism Consulting, both in the UK and further afield (particularly in Ireland and the Middle East); and the first quarter of 2019 was equally so. TEAM’s expertise and experience in the areas of the development of Visitor Experience Development Plans; travel trade; tourism strategy and heritage tourism has been particularly in demand.
In England, TEAM was pleased to assist in Discover England Fund related projects, including the second stage of travel trade research for VisitEngland involving concepts testing for fourteen DEF products among a sample of international tour operators and UK based DMCs. TEAM also worked on Product Audit for England’s World Heritage Sites for Cumbria Tourism, the ‘North of England Cities Experience’s DEF Project (covering the cities of Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Hull and Newcastle Gateshead) for Liverpool Vision; ‘US Connections’ Research for Destination Plymouth and partners; and product research and concept testing in the US market for England’s ‘GREAT South West Peninsula’. Now, in April 2019, TEAM is about to embark on a travel trade evaluation for the ‘Uncover the Cotswolds’ project.
TEAM also prepared some luxury tourism case studies for VisitBritain, a review of the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence Programme (with Live Tourism) and was commissioned by the West Midlands Growth Company to help with the development of their 10-year tourism strategy for the West Midlands to 2029.
In Scotland, TEAM was selected by VisitScotland and Scottish Enterprise to produce a market assessment for the South of Scotland tourism experience.

The City of Liverpool
In Northern Ireland, our associates have been busy on a variety of projects, from visitor information provision review for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and in the Newry Mourne and Down District Council (started in 2019), to the preparation and presentation of a Northern Ireland ‘proposition of scale’ workshop and outline narrative and a review of Tourism Northern Ireland Research programme (started in 2019) for Tourism Northern Ireland . TEAM has also just started working on a feasibility study for the creation of a long-distance heritage/pilgrimage trail in Northern Ireland.
IN THE REPUBLIC IRELAND, TEAM has continued its collaboration with Fáilte Ireland, focusing on developing visitor experience development plans for various areas along the Wild Atlantic Way – Connemara/The Burren; Three Heads; Malin Head and Inishowen Peninsula; Haven Coast and Clew Bay. Also for Fáilte Ireland, TEAM worked on the development of tourism concepts on the theme of Viking heritage in South East Ireland (followed up by market validation research) as well as on scoping solutions for national distribution strategy for visitor experiences. In addition, TEAM is also working for Clare County Council on a major programme of work to develop an innovative Tourism Strategy.
IN OTHER PARTS OF EUROPE, TEAM partnered with VVA for a study on Passion Communities for the European Travel Commission. In France, TEAM and ID-Tourisme are working on an ecotourism project for the region of Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

The Mountains of Mourne, Northern Ireland
IN THE MIDDLE EAST – In Oman, TEAM partnered with MAZARS to deliver a Marketing Plan and Tourism Facilities Audit for the Oman’s participation at Expo 2020 for Oman Ministry of Commerce and Industry. TEAM (in partnership with THR) was also selected by Muscat National Development & Investment Company (ASAAS) to produce a Tourism Development Master Plan for the Governorate of Musandam. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, TEAM prepared a Visitor Experience Development Framework for the Provinces of Al Jouf and Hail, following which we participated in a major workshop for the Saudi Experience Development Programme, for the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage.
IN CANADA, TEAM worked on a product Development Strategy for Tourism Saskatchewan, along with the Canada Tourism Planning Group.
18 April 2019

Muttrah Corniche,
Muscat, Oman
Northern Ireland’s food hub
Northern Ireland is positioning itself as a major food destination, and Strangford Lough is seen as a potentially major food hub. The Borough of Ards and North Down is investing in farm-to-fork initiatives and promotion of its exceptional seafood, working with both producers and retailers, and has engaged Place Solutions, partnering with TEAM, to help develop a leading food and drink strategy and offer.
28 February 2018

Strangford Lough, County Down, Northern Ireland
Abu Dhabi’s leisure tourism ambitions
Abu Dhabi is emerging as a major leisure tourism brand, with its Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit, attractions such as Ferrari World and, soon, a Warner Bros. theme park – all in one place. Miral Asset Management, responsible for Yas Island as a visitor destination, commissioned TEAM to help take its visitor services to a world-class level, in line with their 2021 Vision.
20 February 2018

Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi
The Western Silk Road
The UNWTO’s Silk Road Programme was launched in 1994, and has succeeded in putting many previously little-known tourism destinations of Central Asia on the map. The UNWTO’s complementary programme, the Western Silk Road, was launched in 2017, with the strong support of the Spanish city of Valencia, which is investing heavily in its silk production and trading heritage. TEAM’s David Ward-Perkins was invited to run a workshop at the UNWTO Silk Road Training and Capacity Building Seminar in November, attended by both Asian and European representatives.
Read more about this story on the UNWTO website.
4 December 2017

Image of the Silk Exchange in Valencia kindly reproduced here courtesy of VisitValencia
Review of the current tour guiding industry in Northern Ireland
TEAM has been commissioned by Tourism Northern Ireland to prepare an overview of the current tour guiding industry in Northern Ireland. This overview is to include an audit on tour guides, guiding skills, rates, update on other UK tour guiding bodies and related remit of the National Tourism Bodies. The work will build on the 2011 Review of ‘Tourist Guiding Quality & Accreditation, the aim of which was to develop a single regulatory body and accreditation framework for tour guiding in NI, ultimately ensuring the best possible visitor experience.
18 October 2017

The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
Delivering a visitor economy product development programme for coastal West Sussex
TEAM Tourism Consulting has been appointed to help develop the tourism product and experience in coastal West Sussex. Focused on the areas of accommodation and food, activities, culture and heritage, public space and events, the work involves creating a strong economic narrative for key project proposals which will underpin the county’s tourism renaissance. It will identify and evaluate potential projects as part of a cohesive investment programme, prepare an overall implementation plan, and examine and prepare a series of bids to potential funding sources.
10 October 2017

Selsey Bill, on the coast of West Sussex, England
Destination benchmarking
Destinations International (DI) is a membership organisation which represents 600 destinations in 15 countries. DI aims to provide its members with cutting-edge educational resources, industry research and networking opportunities. DI asked TEAM Tourism Consulting to create an initial knowledge bank for its new Destination FIRST programme – helping to build a live knowledge resource for its members around the world.
TEAM used a combined qualitative and quantitative approach including:
- nine in-depth DMO case studies covering a range of organisation types in a mix of world cities, such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Cape Town, Singapore, Vancouver and Victoria, complemented by case studies of three US DMOs. Those included information related to the DMO, its strategy, its business and operational plans.
- a quantitative online global survey of DMOs which covered the way DMOs are organised, funded, the activities they undertake and their plans for the future
5 October 2017

Singapore city skyline
UNWTO / ETC Handbook on Tourism Themes and Routes
The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the European Travel Commission (ETC) are about to publish a new report, ‘A Handbook on Marketing Transnational Tourism Themes and Routes’, prepared by TEAM over the past 18 months, with input and case studies from experts around the world. The handbook is a comprehensive guide to the many and various tourism networks and routes that stretch across borders, both in Europe and on other continents. It serves as a practical manual for managers of existing transnational products and for those seeking to partner internationally.
The handbook was written by TEAM destination consultants David Ward-Perkins, Issa Torres, Jennifer Houiellebecq and Jackie Ellis, with the help of an expert panel of specialists, covering all five continents and drawn from TEAM’s wider network of tourism consultants.
In November 2017, TEAM will be running a practical workshop for national and regional destination management organisations at the ETC-UNWTO International Seminar on Transnational Themes and Routes.
2 October 2017

Group of hikers in Tien Shan mountains, Kyrgyzstan
News of TEAM’s recent work on food tourism
In January 2017, TEAM was appointed by VisitBritain and DEFRA (Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs) to produce a set of case studies from around the world that showcase the successful creation and management of ‘food hubs’, where food production and food tourism boost and complement each other, thereby building an international reputation.
After much analysis and discussion, six best practice food hubs were selected, some urban, some rural, some coastal: Catalonia, Iceland, Tasmania, Nova Scotia, Melbourne and the Basque Country. The case studies will be shared with UK cities and regions interested in becoming leading food destinations, through training and seminars, the first of which will be run by TEAM in the course of 2018.
1 October 2017

Young couple in a cafe