The first wave of joint activity examines the perceptions of non-visitors to the coast. The new research provides fresh insight into how coastal resorts and businesses can attract new visitors and, crucially, demonstrates that many of the barriers can be overcome particularly for off-season tourism.
The National Coastal Tourism Academy (NCTA) works to create economic growth in coastal tourism and, at a pivotal time for businesses on the coast, leading car rental company Hertz is announcing a long term partnership agreement with the Academy, supporting its remit to help drive growth around the coastline.
The first wave of joint activity examines the perceptions of non-visitors to the coast. The new research provides fresh insight into how coastal resorts and businesses can attract new visitors and, crucially, demonstrates that many of the barriers can be overcome particularly for off-season tourism.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Hertz to help boost coastal tourism. One of our key recommendations is for coastal destinations to work collaboratively with the private sector. Hertz will play a key role in helping to shape the vision for the coastal visitor economy by joining a new coastal tourism leadership working group,” says NCTA director Samantha Richardson.
“We know there is a need to raise awareness of what there is to see and do on the coast, but we also know there’s enormous potential for growth. Seventy-nine per cent of under 35 year-olds describe the coast as fun, and only nine per cent would dismiss a visit to the coast altogether, but we need to transform the way destinations communicate with this age group.
“Similarly, the number of people taking activity breaks has grown across all age groups and 37 per cent of those considering this type of holiday would prefer the coast. We also know that one fifth of British holidaymakers book a wellness break at least once a year and some 59 per cent would like to go to the coast.
“The opportunities for growth are clear-cut, but to enable coastal businesses and destinations to tap into these we need to work with the private sector. Hertz is ideally placed to help enable that growth and attract new markets.”
Richard Davies, General Manager, Hertz UK, added: “The coast is a fantastic natural asset for the UK, no matter what the season. We are very pleased that we are helping the coast reach its full potential by supporting the NCTA with this important work. With our extensive footprint of locations in coastal towns and cities across the UK, we see this new partnership as a logical fit and trust that, with the support of companies like Hertz, further coastal growth will be achieved.”
The findings from the new Perceptions research reflect previous research by the NCTA which has seen the tide starting to turn for coastal destinations. The Academy has identified key areas for year-round coastal growth particularly from activity breaks, health and wellness holidays and attracting the under 35 age group.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
