A recent YouGov Northern Ireland poll has found mixed feelings towards the Titanic centre; potential visitors want to go but don’t want to pay
To mark the 100th year anniversary of the Titanic, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board decided to mark the occasion with a high-profile festival of events aimed at generating awareness and celebration.
The centrepiece of the festival was the opening of a new Titanic Visitor Centre.
Indeed, our recent poll found that 55% of Northern Irish respondents believe that the Titanic is a valuable part of their heritage and should be celebrated, however, there are concerns among the Northern Irish population that the cost of the centre may outweigh the benefits, and could put people off visiting the attraction.
Designed to mimic the bow of the Titanic and, arguably, add an iconic addition to the Belfast skyline, there was a high degree of uncertainty surrounding the Centre's cost.
When YouGov asked Northern Irish respondents about cost just before the Centre opened, the results were as follows:
- 30% of Northern Irish respondents agreed that it was ‘money well spent’
- While 27% thought it was a ‘waste of money and would cost more than it makes’
- And 43% stated ‘I’m unsure and only time will tell’
Results also show mixed feelings towards visiting the Centre that though there is demand to visit, price is a potential barrier.
- 70% of Northern Irish respondents plan on visiting the centre, with 61% planning on doing so within the first 12 months
- However, over half (53%) of those potential visitors think the centre is too expensive
On a more positive note in general, however, the poll did reveal that over half of Northern Irish respondents (55%) believe Northern Ireland has much more to offer residents and tourists than it did 12 months ago.
