A DISCUSSION ABOUT THE GROWING POTENTIAL OF MUSIC TOURISM
Wednesday 19 January 2011
Do you think music tourism has the potential to be a success in Belfast?
Do you think the investments in developing new music tourism intiatives for Belfast are worthwhile? Do you see Belfast emerging as a popular music tourism destination similar to Nashville, Memphis, Glastonbury or Liverpool?
Absolutely, Northern Ireland is in need of reinventing itself after a generation of being tainted by violence and unstable politics. Throughout all of that Northern Ireland has stood out producing high calibre musicians. Music Tourism seems to be an ideal way to attract tourists and create a more positive image of the country.
I think the investments are worthwile, but they will probably take some time for 'real' benefits to be seen. Through Nashville and other initiatives, Belfast will start to gain an image as a music tourism destination, but I think it will be long term before it is viewed in the same light as Glastonbury.
Definately! By attracting visitors to festivals and concerts, as well as promoting the UK around the world, music tourism not only provides revenue for event organisers but also brings income and jobs to much wider groups. Although, I think the Council and other bodies would need to introduce larger inititives in order for Belfast to emerge as a popular music destination such as Nashville.
Yeah it really would. More for the belfast community who own bars n restaurants gettin more trade from fans of different genre's of music coming over to visit to watch gigs and festivals. Belfast is due im sure in the near future to get bigger festivals. It already has Belsonic every year and it brings the people from all over northern ireland and south.
in a word, yes.We have a musical heritage second to none in my view. There is no reason why NI and particularly Belfast with its wealth of great venues should not become an international destination for music of all kinds. I think we sell ourselves short - not just in music - anyone who comes here whether to play music or to listen loves the place. Unfortunately some in society seem intent on dragging us back to the bad old days (witness current events in North Belfast) - but as time goes on I think the power of the majority who want to continue with normal life - including going out to gigs - will win out. Smaller venues such as Black Box and Oh Yeah need all the support they can get - the recent initiative of BB to open membership was a great idea and hopefully will help to ensure its future.
I don't think we can hope that Belfast will ever be as popular as places like Nashville for music tourism but there is significant potential in this area. I think the investment made in this area has been useful but there is still more that could be done.
I do believe that investments in Music Tourism are worthwhile as it helps to give a positive impression to both Tourists and the people of NI alike. Initiatives such as Oh Yeah and the Music Tour etc set up by BCC all help promote Belfast. I think Belfast in the future could maybe becomre as successful as such places as Nachville but it needs a lot of work and effort to promote and support all the relative initiatives etc
I think the investments are worthwhile, but I don't see Belfast developing in the same line as Nashville or Liverpool. Both of those places are known for very definitive sounds, Belfast has a mix of music associated with it. That's not a bad thing IMO, and I reckon that 'location-based genre' thing doesn't happen as much anymore.
There are opportunities in other areas. We're ideally situated to host a Trans-Atlantic music business event for example. Tourists come here to see the political murals, hear the history of the place, usually as part of a larger trip I think. Not really to visit the Ulster Hall or see where Duke Special started out... We've a strong music culture so maybe there's a chance to rebrand the city post-conflict into something fitting, such as a music business hub.
I think investments would be worthwhile. I've seen and heard about lots of gigs and performances in the past few months, however I generally hear about events through word-of-mouth. I think it would be easy to think not much is happening in Belfast in terms of music which might mean tourists don't see music as part of the attraction of the city. I'm not sure Belfast could become comparable with big music tourism destinations but more opportunities and bigger platforms for local and neighbouring talent would be worthwhile. I heard about a competition for a local band to support a visiting group- a great idea I thought.
This is a tricky question. You set the bar very high by giving examples such as Nashville and Liverpool. However I think that music along with the other recent developments can play a major role in re-fashioning the image of a town which was so much in the media for all the wrong reasons for so long. Building a community based on the fans of the known local acts and tapping into that community would be a good way to promote the changing face of the city.
Belfast definitely has the potential to be a base for music tourism to grow. The success of Belsonic shows that Belfast can continue to host major music events which will give more opportunities to increase and attract tourism. This can be enchanced through greater investment and greater awareness of what the music scene in Belfast has to offer to potential tourists.
Belfast mainly focuses on dark tourism to attract tourists to the city. But we forget that Belfast has a lot more to offer than just dark tourism. Music tourism is a new exciting way of attracting tourists to Belfast. I think investing and developing music tourism in Belfast could be very successful for the tourism industry as well as the local economy. By focusing on different aspects of tourism like music tourism may create a more positive image of Belfast
I think music tourism in Belfast has every possibility of becoming a success. There is already a thriving music scene within the area from local + touring bands and now maybe the time for the major tours not just live music wise but maybe theatre/west end musicals touring the city.
Major aspect needed within the area is a local council department setup to advertise such events not just via internet but flyers in shops, leaflets(what's on booklet to add to the tourism already within the city)- yes local bands will advertise their gigs via facebook/any forum they can but more is needed by local government to publicise the increasing music/arts actually taking place in Belfast.
investment is important but not only in music turism. i think people is still scared to come here. i dont think people will ever talk about belfast as a "MECCA" of good music.
i think belfast has definite potential. i know that i have heard a lot on the radio in recent months about big name country and folk singers doing festivals in the cathedral quarter (at least thats where i think they where!) i also think its really important that we support local talent because thats the only way we will develop as a popular music tourism location.
There is always potential for success with time and investment however i think Belfast has a long way to come. I think the reason for the success of places such as Liverpool as music tourism destinations is due to the worldwide popularity of their home grown talent i.e. the Beatles. There is a brand therefore that can be promoted and which in turn attracts tourists year on year. These cities are happy to spend money on the promotion of music because it creates a good financial return. Now that NI is coming out of the dark days and tourism is invested in more than ever before it would be a great idea to focus some of that attention and investment into our local music scene.
Yes, absolutely. Northern Ireland has already been able to attach leading country and folk musicians from across the global. Northern Ireland has already ability to compete as a venue for musical events and with further funding this can only increase.
I think that if there was adequate investment and promotion of music in Belfast, it could be successful and attract more tourists. However, I do feel it has a way to go yet but maybe this is the time to get started.
Belfast has a tradition of producing excellent musicians and the post- troubles vibe that the City now has creates the ideal platform for investment in music (folk, pop, rock) tourism. It has the history and credentials to match Liverpool.
I think that Belfast could easily develop its music tourism. There are many great venues around the city(large and small) and many traditions and names associated with the city.Many foreign tourists(eg Germans etc) love Irish trad music. With the development of the Titanic Quarter the trans atlantic aspect could be developed. Also it is the home of Van Morrison! Of course the downside is always the amount of money needed to make any initiative successful.
No i dont think that Belfast has the potential to be a musical centre. I think that the music tourism initiatives are a waste of resources that could be more beneficial in other areas of the community.
Spending money with the aim of producing a wider variety of talent, encouraging the development and increasing the standards of music tourism in Belfast can only be seen as a good thing in my eyes.
Personally I think it's feasible for tourists to discover Belfast as a musical destination. Tourism as a whole has witnessed Belfast as a prominent place for visitors. The number of tourists who traveled to Belfast in 2009 was over 9 million visits and the city generated and estimated £450 million due to this. Certainly the music tourism could benefit from these numbers and grow bigger because of it.
I think the right investment & promotion will always be worthwhile. Belfast is seeped in history which is already an attraction to tourists, however with an improvement in the music scene belfast could become even more attractive to anyone considering visiting the city. It would also create a more positive image of the city and help it become known for something other than it's past. In turn this could help the city become appealing to tourists who might not have otherwise visited. I don't see why over time it could not become as popular as liverpool, glastonbury etc, as long as money is invested wisely and initiatives are well promoted.
I think Belfast could draw in tourists with music if it invested in a large scale festival. however i don't know if the area itself has enough to offer (in terms of music history) to bring in any more than a niche crowd.
I lived in Belfast for a year (04-05) on an exchange program. I found belfast an enjoyable place to live but i am a big fan of music and found the city lacking in musical events. However, I believe with investment they could organise higher profile events improving music tourism in belfast
I see no reason as to why Belfast couldn't become a success with regard to musical tourism in this day and age. I feel aiming at a more popular or rock music scene would be unsuccessful however and any effort would be better focused on the traditional music scene.
A large and most importantly well structured investment plan in music could benefit the local economy massively with regard to tourism. I do feel investment could prove to be successful in building a reputation for the city, however it would be hard for Belfast to attain as popular a status as the likes of Nashville, Manchester and Liverpool etc.
I think that the investments being made are worthwhile but that belfast should not model itself on other well known popular music tourism cities, instead Belfast should try to create an identity of its own. I think belfast already appealing to a younger age group of music fans and we would risk alienating them, I think we should build on our strengths. Such as the success of Belsonic.
I feel Belfast has its place to play in music tourism. Investment has been put into many venues across Belfast, whether newly built or refurbished. Music tourism would bring revenue if advertised and directed properly. We have many world classs home grown artists e.g. snow patrol, if these acts are given proper standing it would enourage others from the U.K. or around the world who seem to bypass Ireland as a whole to perform here.
I definitely think that there is great potential for Belfast with regard to music tourism. It would need to be a combination of celebrating the success and contribution of established artists and also of up and coming ones. We don't want to be ever banking on the status of and interest in folk such as Van Morrison and neglecting the current vibrant work going on.
There is a wealth of talent in this wee country which needs to be nurtured, but it will always be a struggle while promoters continue flooding the big venues with 13th rate nonentities trying to reinvent themselves and ripping of the music fans of the local music fans. Best places to see the real talent of today are the many small music venues that are sprouting up all around the country, and we should suppoert them.
Motorcycle Real Road Racing Blog by Barbiegirl Northern Ireland http://www.realroadracingblog.com/
I think that music tourism has a place in Belfast. There are a lot of venues and places of interest for those with an interest in music in northern ireland. We also have a wealth of small festivals that would encourage visitors if advertised further afield.
Yes. Belfast has as rich a musical history as any Irish or British city. Couple that with the other advantages that Northern Ireland and Belfast offer to the tourist - the countryside, history, golf, fishing - and wonderful hospitality - Belfast could easily thrive as a music destination. Brian Atlanta, GA, USA
yes definately! over recent years there has been a number of bands from northern ireland who are doing really well for themselves! we just got started a bit later than other big music cities
Yes thinking about some of the great stars we have, such as Van Morrison, would appeal to the American market and a Van Morrison trail could be incorporated into cruise ship bus trips. A local festival featuring NI Irish bands/singers similar to the Nashville Singer/songwriters could be marketed by the Tourist Board and maybe encourage an interest in what is happening here musically.
Yes, I think it is worthwhile to invest in music tourism. I think with time and the right events and publicity Belfast could emerge as a popular music tourism destination.
Respects All.. I Produce the Music Voyager TV series (www.MusicVoyager.com), a unique way to look a country through the eyes of the artists of the country/City/State. In Season 1 we covered Jamaica, India and the GRAMMYs; in Season 2: Louisiana and Colombia. We are now filming Season 3...MV is broadcast in 140+ countries, translated into 33 languages, reaching over 170 Million homes worldwide, plus in-flight...and growing. I have tried to reach the Tourism Heads for Belfast but have not got through yet. Our Global broadcast partners and the Music Voyager team would like to feature Belfast and Ireland...Look at your city/Country through the eyes of your artists, local people...see what is presently resonating in Belfast and Ireland and why? Here is my email farook@tantraww.com should anyone of you have an idea as to whom I may communicate with I would so appreciate it..Respects- Farook Singh
Hi Farook Thanks for your comment! Where are you from? Your series looks really interesting, would be great if you could do a feature on Ireland or Belfast. I have sent you an email of some key contacts in Belfast, hopefully will be of some use to you. I would really like to hear some of your experiences of music from around the world and how you think music can influence travel. If you could take a few minutes to post on some of the threads on this blog I would really appreciate it and it would really help my research. Many thanks Ciara
I believe that teh investment in music in N. Ireland is excellent news for people who wish to visit here and enjoy the breadth and depth of the strong historical music traditions here but the investment is also great news for people who live here because music provides a common language and belonging that transends culture and has the capacity to move us away from conflict to post conflict
I think it's always worthwhile investing in Belfast as a venue for music events - we were deprived of music events for so long during the years of violence and any promotion can't be a bad thing. Also, Belfast and Irish people in general appreciate roots/world music acts, probably as a consequence of our envied traditional music heritage that is very much a living tradition.
Belfast has a rich music history and should be something to be invested in and celebrated. However comparing it to something like Memphsis may be reaching a little high. Places like this are the birth places of genres of music, not only artists. This is something Belfast has not achieved however major artists have managed to become important figures in music and have their voices heard through 'The Troubles'.
I think investment in tourism can never be a negative thing for a city. There is definitely potential for music to attract people to Belfast. The city has all the ingredients, it just needs the publicity. However, whether it could ever gain the prestigious status of places such as Nashville and Memphis is debatable
Investment in tourism for music is always going to be worthwhile. It will bring people together and has the potential to develop a very positive image of a very special city.
Any investments which bring tourists to NI are worthwhile. It would be nice if NI was known for something more positive than its political history. If NI was seen as a place which nurtured and encouraged its home grown musical talent then perhaps others would also move to the area. Eventually NI would become known as an area rich with musical wealth such as Nashville, Memphis or New Orleans.
Investment is a good idea for any type of growth although the other places mentioned are renown for their strong history more than recent success. As mentioned above Belfast is not famous for Music but for its own history, investing in culture like this is surely step in the right direction.
God yes, as someone who grew up in Belfast and went to Queen's I think Belfast has always had a strong musical culture - and not just pop music either - visit my blog to see more: www.canningcircus.blogspot.com
Absolutely, Northern Ireland is in need of reinventing itself after a generation of being tainted by violence and unstable politics. Throughout all of that Northern Ireland has stood out producing high calibre musicians. Music Tourism seems to be an ideal way to attract tourists and create a more positive image of the country.
ReplyDeleteI think the investments are worthwile, but they will probably take some time for 'real' benefits to be seen. Through Nashville and other initiatives, Belfast will start to gain an image as a music tourism destination, but I think it will be long term before it is viewed in the same light as Glastonbury.
ReplyDeleteDefinately! By attracting visitors to festivals and concerts, as well as promoting the UK around the world, music tourism not only provides revenue for event organisers but also brings income and jobs to much wider groups. Although, I think the Council and other bodies would need to introduce larger inititives in order for Belfast to emerge as a popular music destination such as Nashville.
ReplyDeleteYeah it really would. More for the belfast community who own bars n restaurants gettin more trade from fans of different genre's of music coming over to visit to watch gigs and festivals. Belfast is due im sure in the near future to get bigger festivals. It already has Belsonic every year and it brings the people from all over northern ireland and south.
ReplyDeletein a word, yes.We have a musical heritage second to none in my view. There is no reason why NI and particularly Belfast with its wealth of great venues should not become an international destination for music of all kinds. I think we sell ourselves short - not just in music - anyone who comes here whether to play music or to listen loves the place. Unfortunately some in society seem intent on dragging us back to the bad old days (witness current events in North Belfast) - but as time goes on I think the power of the majority who want to continue with normal life - including going out to gigs - will win out. Smaller venues such as Black Box and Oh Yeah need all the support they can get - the recent initiative of BB to open membership was a great idea and hopefully will help to ensure its future.
ReplyDeleteI don't think we can hope that Belfast will ever be as popular as places like Nashville for music tourism but there is significant potential in this area. I think the investment made in this area has been useful but there is still more that could be done.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that investments in Music Tourism are worthwhile as it helps to give a positive impression to both Tourists and the people of NI alike. Initiatives such as Oh Yeah and the Music Tour etc set up by BCC all help promote Belfast. I think Belfast in the future could maybe becomre as successful as such places as Nachville but it needs a lot of work and effort to promote and support all the relative initiatives etc
ReplyDeleteI think the investments are worthwhile, but I don't see Belfast developing in the same line as Nashville or Liverpool. Both of those places are known for very definitive sounds, Belfast has a mix of music associated with it. That's not a bad thing IMO, and I reckon that 'location-based genre' thing doesn't happen as much anymore.
ReplyDeleteThere are opportunities in other areas. We're ideally situated to host a Trans-Atlantic music business event for example. Tourists come here to see the political murals, hear the history of the place, usually as part of a larger trip I think. Not really to visit the Ulster Hall or see where Duke Special started out... We've a strong music culture so maybe there's a chance to rebrand the city post-conflict into something fitting, such as a music business hub.
I think investments would be worthwhile. I've seen and heard about lots of gigs and performances in the past few months, however I generally hear about events through word-of-mouth. I think it would be easy to think not much is happening in Belfast in terms of music which might mean tourists don't see music as part of the attraction of the city. I'm not sure Belfast could become comparable with big music tourism destinations but more opportunities and bigger platforms for local and neighbouring talent would be worthwhile. I heard about a competition for a local band to support a visiting group- a great idea I thought.
ReplyDeleteIt could work if it gets a lot more publicity.
ReplyDeleteThis is a tricky question. You set the bar very high by giving examples such as Nashville and Liverpool. However I think that music along with the other recent developments can play a major role in re-fashioning the image of a town which was so much in the media for all the wrong reasons for so long. Building a community based on the fans of the known local acts and tapping into that community would be a good way to promote the changing face of the city.
ReplyDeleteSo the investments are worthwhile... YES.
Belfast definitely has the potential to be a base for music tourism to grow. The success of Belsonic shows that Belfast can continue to host major music events which will give more opportunities to increase and attract tourism. This can be enchanced through greater investment and greater awareness of what the music scene in Belfast has to offer to potential tourists.
ReplyDeleteBelfast mainly focuses on dark tourism to attract tourists to the city. But we forget that Belfast has a lot more to offer than just dark tourism. Music tourism is a new exciting way of attracting tourists to Belfast. I think investing and developing music tourism in Belfast could be very successful for the tourism industry as well as the local economy. By focusing on different aspects of tourism like music tourism may create a more positive image of Belfast
ReplyDeleteI think music tourism in Belfast has every possibility of becoming a success. There is already a thriving music scene within the area from local + touring bands and now maybe the time for the major tours not just live music wise but maybe theatre/west end musicals touring the city.
ReplyDeleteMajor aspect needed within the area is a local council department setup to advertise such events not just via internet but flyers in shops, leaflets(what's on booklet to add to the tourism already within the city)- yes local bands will advertise their gigs via facebook/any forum they can but more is needed by local government to publicise the increasing music/arts actually taking place in Belfast.
investment is important but not only in music turism. i think people is still scared to come here. i dont think people will ever talk about belfast as a "MECCA" of good music.
ReplyDeleteI think people would come to hear music as part of the whole tourist trip especially if traditional music was promoted as part of the experience
ReplyDeletei think belfast has definite potential. i know that i have heard a lot on the radio in recent months about big name country and folk singers doing festivals in the cathedral quarter (at least thats where i think they where!)
ReplyDeletei also think its really important that we support local talent because thats the only way we will develop as a popular music tourism location.
There is always potential for success with time and investment however i think Belfast has a long way to come. I think the reason for the success of places such as Liverpool as music tourism destinations is due to the worldwide popularity of their home grown talent i.e. the Beatles. There is a brand therefore that can be promoted and which in turn attracts tourists year on year. These cities are happy to spend money on the promotion of music because it creates a good financial return. Now that NI is coming out of the dark days and tourism is invested in more than ever before it would be a great idea to focus some of that attention and investment into our local music scene.
ReplyDeleteYes, absolutely. Northern Ireland has already been able to attach leading country and folk musicians from across the global. Northern Ireland has already ability to compete as a venue for musical events and with further funding this can only increase.
ReplyDeleteI think that if there was adequate investment and promotion of music in Belfast, it could be successful and attract more tourists. However, I do feel it has a way to go yet but maybe this is the time to get started.
ReplyDeleteBelfast has a tradition of producing excellent musicians and the post- troubles vibe that the City now has creates the ideal platform for investment in music (folk, pop, rock) tourism.
ReplyDeleteIt has the history and credentials to match Liverpool.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think that Belfast could easily develop its music tourism. There are many great venues around the city(large and small) and many traditions and names associated with the city.Many foreign tourists(eg Germans etc) love Irish trad music. With the development of the Titanic Quarter the trans atlantic aspect could be developed. Also it is the home of Van Morrison! Of course the downside is always the amount of money needed to make any initiative successful.
ReplyDeleteI know very little about the music scene but I cant help feeling it would never in a million years resemble Nashville etc.
ReplyDeleteNo i dont think that Belfast has the potential to be a musical centre. I think that the music tourism initiatives are a waste of resources that could be more beneficial in other areas of the community.
ReplyDeleteSpending money with the aim of producing a wider variety of talent, encouraging the development and increasing the standards of music tourism in Belfast can only be seen as a good thing in my eyes.
ReplyDeletePersonally I think it's feasible for tourists to discover Belfast as a musical destination. Tourism as a whole has witnessed Belfast as a prominent place for visitors. The number of tourists who traveled to Belfast in 2009 was over 9 million visits and the city generated and estimated £450 million due to this. Certainly the music tourism could benefit from these numbers and grow bigger because of it.
I think the right investment & promotion will always be worthwhile. Belfast is seeped in history which is already an attraction to tourists, however with an improvement in the music scene belfast could become even more attractive to anyone considering visiting the city. It would also create a more positive image of the city and help it become known for something other than it's past. In turn this could help the city become appealing to tourists who might not have otherwise visited. I don't see why over time it could not become as popular as liverpool, glastonbury etc, as long as money is invested wisely and initiatives are well promoted.
ReplyDeleteI think Belfast could draw in tourists with music if it invested in a large scale festival. however i don't know if the area itself has enough to offer (in terms of music history) to bring in any more than a niche crowd.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI lived in Belfast for a year (04-05) on an exchange program. I found belfast an enjoyable place to live but i am a big fan of music and found the city lacking in musical events. However, I believe with investment they could organise higher profile events improving music tourism in belfast
ReplyDeleteI see no reason as to why Belfast couldn't become a success with regard to musical tourism in this day and age. I feel aiming at a more popular or rock music scene would be unsuccessful however and any effort would be better focused on the traditional music scene.
ReplyDeleteA large and most importantly well structured investment plan in music could benefit the local economy massively with regard to tourism. I do feel investment could prove to be successful in building a reputation for the city, however it would be hard for Belfast to attain as popular a status as the likes of Nashville, Manchester and Liverpool etc.
I think that the investments being made are worthwhile but that belfast should not model itself on other well known popular music tourism cities, instead Belfast should try to create an identity of its own. I think belfast already appealing to a younger age group of music fans and we would risk alienating them, I think we should build on our strengths. Such as the success of Belsonic.
ReplyDeleteI feel Belfast has its place to play in music tourism. Investment has been put into many venues across Belfast, whether newly built or refurbished. Music tourism would bring revenue if advertised and directed properly. We have many world classs home grown artists e.g. snow patrol, if these acts are given proper standing it would enourage others from the U.K. or around the world who seem to bypass Ireland as a whole to perform here.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think that there is great potential for Belfast with regard to music tourism. It would need to be a combination of celebrating the success and contribution of established artists and also of up and coming ones. We don't want to be ever banking on the status of and interest in folk such as Van Morrison and neglecting the current vibrant work going on.
ReplyDeleteThere is a wealth of talent in this wee country which needs to be nurtured, but it will always be a struggle while promoters continue flooding the big venues with 13th rate nonentities trying to reinvent themselves and ripping of the music fans of the local music fans. Best places to see the real talent of today are the many small music venues that are sprouting up all around the country, and we should suppoert them.
ReplyDeleteMotorcycle Real Road Racing Blog by Barbiegirl Northern Ireland
http://www.realroadracingblog.com/
I think that music tourism has a place in Belfast. There are a lot of venues and places of interest for those with an interest in music in northern ireland.
ReplyDeleteWe also have a wealth of small festivals that would encourage visitors if advertised further afield.
Yes. Belfast has as rich a musical history as any Irish or British city. Couple that with the other advantages that Northern Ireland and Belfast offer to the tourist - the countryside, history, golf, fishing - and wonderful hospitality - Belfast could easily thrive as a music destination.
ReplyDeleteBrian
Atlanta, GA, USA
yes definately! over recent years there has been a number of bands from northern ireland who are doing really well for themselves! we just got started a bit later than other big music cities
ReplyDeleteYes thinking about some of the great stars we have, such as Van Morrison, would appeal to the American market and a Van Morrison trail could be incorporated into cruise ship bus trips. A local festival featuring NI Irish bands/singers similar to the Nashville Singer/songwriters could be marketed by the Tourist Board and maybe encourage an interest in what is happening here musically.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think it is worthwhile to invest in music tourism. I think with time and the right events and publicity Belfast could emerge as a popular music tourism destination.
ReplyDeleteMusic tourism could really take off here! Look at the MTV Awards coming here - they must think something of the place.
ReplyDeleteRespects All.. I Produce the Music Voyager TV series (www.MusicVoyager.com), a unique way to look a country through the eyes of the artists of the country/City/State. In Season 1 we covered Jamaica, India and the GRAMMYs; in Season 2: Louisiana and Colombia. We are now filming Season 3...MV is broadcast in 140+ countries, translated into 33 languages, reaching over 170 Million homes worldwide, plus in-flight...and growing.
ReplyDeleteI have tried to reach the Tourism Heads for Belfast but have not got through yet. Our Global broadcast partners and the Music Voyager team would like to feature Belfast and Ireland...Look at your city/Country through the eyes of your artists, local people...see what is presently resonating in Belfast and Ireland and why?
Here is my email farook@tantraww.com should anyone of you have an idea as to whom I may communicate with I would so appreciate it..Respects- Farook Singh
Hi Farook
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment! Where are you from? Your series looks really interesting, would be great if you could do a feature on Ireland or Belfast. I have sent you an email of some key contacts in Belfast, hopefully will be of some use to you.
I would really like to hear some of your experiences of music from around the world and how you think music can influence travel. If you could take a few minutes to post on some of the threads on this blog I would really appreciate it and it would really help my research.
Many thanks
Ciara
I believe that teh investment in music in N. Ireland is excellent news for people who wish to visit here and enjoy the breadth and depth of the strong historical music traditions here but the investment is also great news for people who live here because music provides a common language and belonging that transends culture and has the capacity to move us away from conflict to post conflict
ReplyDeleteLook at Jamaica..they switched on 'Music of Jamaica' as their travel goal for this year..
ReplyDeleteI think it's always worthwhile investing in Belfast as a venue for music events - we were deprived of music events for so long during the years of violence and any promotion can't be a bad thing. Also, Belfast and Irish people in general appreciate roots/world music acts, probably as a consequence of our envied traditional music heritage that is very much a living tradition.
ReplyDeleteBelfast has a rich music history and should be something to be invested in and celebrated. However comparing it to something like Memphsis may be reaching a little high. Places like this are the birth places of genres of music, not only artists. This is something Belfast has not achieved however major artists have managed to become important figures in music and have their voices heard through 'The Troubles'.
ReplyDeleteI think music has the potential to attract people to Belfast as well as contribute to them having a good time during their stay.
ReplyDeleteI think investment in tourism can never be a negative thing for a city. There is definitely potential for music to attract people to Belfast. The city has all the ingredients, it just needs the publicity. However, whether it could ever gain the prestigious status of places such as Nashville and Memphis is debatable
ReplyDeleteInvestment in tourism for music is always going to be worthwhile. It will bring people together and has the potential to develop a very positive image of a very special city.
ReplyDeleteBelfast over the last 10 years in my opinion has become a much better place for music and i believe that further investments would be a great idea. :)
ReplyDeleteAny investments which bring tourists to NI are worthwhile. It would be nice if NI was known for something more positive than its political history. If NI was seen as a place which nurtured and encouraged its home grown musical talent then perhaps others would also move to the area. Eventually NI would become known as an area rich with musical wealth such as Nashville, Memphis or New Orleans.
ReplyDeleteInvestment is a good idea for any type of growth although the other places mentioned are renown for their strong history more than recent success. As mentioned above Belfast is not famous for Music but for its own history, investing in culture like this is surely step in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteGod yes, as someone who grew up in Belfast and went to Queen's I think Belfast has always had a strong musical culture - and not just pop music either - visit my blog to see more:
ReplyDeletewww.canningcircus.blogspot.com
Chris