From Westeros to Banbridge - has it all gone wrong?
also, talking tourism in 1989
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The enchanting town of Banbridge, where the realms of fantasy and reality collide in a one-of-a-kind Game of Thrones tour.
The Game of Thrones tour at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge initially soared to great heights, drawing in aficionados and casual fans alike. The tour boasted captivating locations, meticulously recreated sets, and enthusiastic staff who brought the realm of Westeros to life.
Visitors were treated to an immersive experience, witnessing the very spots where their favourite characters schemed and fought for power.
But ultimately has Banbridge missed a trick? The studio tour is located out of town and is only assessable via a coach which departs from The Outlet - sorry The Boulevard, with some readers insinuating that this may be taking tourism trade out of the town centre itself.
Did Banbridge traders need to jump on the band-wagon opening GOT themed businesses? What if there was a “Westeros Waffles” or maybe a Belfast style bike bar "Winterfell Wagon" served up as a hospitality offering? - after all Banbridge lost the Coach nightclub…
Even the fiercest dragons can stumble, and the Game of Thrones tour has already faced its share of challenges. The company behind the venue has reported "substantial operating losses" since opening, citing low visitor numbers.
Armagh I posed the question last week on our social media channels - "Have you been to visit the studio yet? Why do you think visitor numbers are low?”
The responses were a mixed bag. A general theme was "needs advertised more” .. (readers words not ours..) but the familiar thread was “cost”.
“Too dear! Looked at bringing my dad when it opened as he’s a big fan but for a family plus my parents I could have a night away instead! Just wasn’t doable or worth it cos I am not much of a fan but he was”. (Sammie Patterson)
“We went last year, it was great and staff were brilliant. But I do think it’s expensive, if it was cheaper we would consider another visit but not at current prices”. (Suzanne Hardy)
“Agree with others in regard to the pricing system. In this climate there are more pressing issues for people. £40 for one adult is terrible. Hardly anyone could afford this. I am a fan and would love to go but it's not viable with costs”. (Debbie Webb)
In the realm of tourism, success and failure go hand in hand. The Game of Thrones tour embodied this duality, creating a fascinating blend of triumphs and setbacks. While the tour has witnessed its struggles, will they serve as valuable lessons for future endeavours?
The Game of Thrones tour may have seen its ups and downs, but surely they should serve us better as a reminder there is always room for growth - it just might take time!
If you could take any tourist attraction from anywhere in the world and set it in Armagh, what would it be?
Headlines
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County Armagh retailer makes strides in sustainability
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Plans lodged to build five homes in Craigavon but NI Water not happy
Giveaways
Congratulations Gladys Price! You are the winner of this week’s Omniplex Cinema giveaway, winning a pair of tickets “to the flicks”. Contact our office to arrange collection on 02837443043.
Don’t forget you can enter every week, as many times as you like!
Lookback
Tourism was also the talking point back in September 1989. Phase 1 of an ‘ambitious’ tourism development plan had just been completed with the partial-refurbishment of the former Northern Bank on English Street.
The Armagh Observer reported that the former bank was to be fully converted to a Tourist Information Centre with the support of Government and European grant aid.
According to the publication, negotiations were - at the time - continuing. The multi-million pound project required a further release of funds to move into the next phase.
However, the District Council’s Chief Executive Mr Desmond Mitchell believed that ‘higher priority should be given to the Arts Centre/Theatre’ which was to be developed at Market Square.
In order to be compliant with the £200,000 ‘environmental facelift’ a design was also to be determined for St. Patrick’s Trian.
Fast forward almost 34 years, only one remains open to the public.
A Motorcycle Museum featuring the ROAD RACERS like Phillip McCallen. THANK YOU
TOMMY CULLEN
The annual migration of the Monarch Butterflies from North America to Anguanguerro, Mexico up in the mountains. Definitely one of the top experiences in the world that I've experienced thus far in my travels. LL Vahey