Simply Good Business- published in The Newry Reporter 17th June 2020
Last week Newry BID released findings to members of a survey they had undertaken to ascertain consumer attitudes to returning to the city centre. The findings to me, show just what a detrimental impact the virus has had on consumer confidence- mine included.
As a mother of two children under six, I can understand that only 18% of people currently have confidence in returning to activities or classes for children. This is not helped by the fact there has been no guidance for the childcare sector- a major concern for working parents.
I can also understand the concerns with returning to the leisure and hospitality sectors. Less than 25% of people surveyed said they currently would be confident returning to pubs, clubs and leisure facilities including gyms.
This is no one’s fault- we have just spent the last three months looking at our own four walls. People are at different stages in their own recovery journey and the threat of a second wave of the virus remains.
The confidence issue, however, needs urgently addressed. I repeat what I said last week in relation to our retailers (who now thankfully are starting to operate again in a safe and cautious manner).
We need confidence and clarity.
We cannot have a pressure decision at the 11th hour declaring the world as we know it, back to business. People just will not return to some services. The Newry BID survey showed a level of confidence in retail and the services sector. The confidence is not currently there for other types of businesses.
What could be worse than being closed, is being open and people afraid to come. This cannot happen. We have a fabulous and I believe, under utilised tourism offering on our doorstep with the mountains, the sea, and the city. We have sport, heritage, culture, and organisations such as Sticky Fingers; places like the Fun House, Morgan Dance, East Coast Adventure, Infinity, Excel Gymnastics, and many others creating leisure businesses aimed at primarily at the youth market. These businesses need to be supported.
There needs to be a collaborative approach to create confidence in our leisure and hospitality sectors to ensure people return to use these services and support these businesses. I was part of a team of people championing the Scenic Carlingford Ferry for many years, so I was delighted to see them launching their Lighthouse Cruises. Who would not jump at the opportunity to be out on the Lough with limited numbers, and spectacular scenery? It is innovative solutions like this that we need to see more of, to support sectoral recovery.
I know Silverwood Marketing is working on the ‘Visit Greater Newry’ project. I hope to see, in collaboration with NMD Council, Newry BID, Newry Chamber and others that Newry can come up with innovative ways to instil confidence in our leisure, tourism and hospitality sectors. Let us hope by the time of going to print this week the Economy Minister’s paper on tourism and hospitality will set out a clear, safe roadmap for these important sectors to get back to work.
We have a lot to offer in this area to locals and tourists. I think our businesses would appreciate us all becoming local tourists, at least until they get back on their feet.
In relation to the future of our leisure facilities do not forget, if you have an opinion on the Albert Basin Park proposal, the public consultation is now open. You can share your views online.
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