Tourism Research
The Market Research Group (MRG) has specialised in research in the areas of tourism and leisure, encompassing the Dorset New Forest Tourism Data Project (DNFTDP), which is the research partner of the Dorset & New Forest Tourism Partnership (DNFTP). Our continuous research has concentrated on projects covering the entire Dorset & New Forest area, although MRG has several nationwide and international projects to its name.
The Dorset New Forest Tourism Data Project (DNFTDP)
The DTDP is a partnership between MRG, the nine Local Authorities in Dorset & the New Forest, Dorset County Council, the Southern Tourist Board and South West Tourism, and has provided timely and relevant market intelligence to the tourism industry since 1991. The MRG has primary responsibility for the partnership's research programme, and for the complimentary research needs of the Dorset & New Forest Tourism Partnership (DNFTP).
We carry out research into the area's key tourism markets, for both Local Authority strategic planning, and for use by the tourism and leisure industries. The benefits of the research are further enhanced by the relationship between us and the expertise and resources offered by the School of Services Management, Bournemouth University.
Our current activities include:
· Profiling visitors to Dorset, including their socio-economic and demographic backgrounds, how long they stay and in what types of accommodation, how much they spend, and what they like to do whilst in the area.
· Monitoring tourism related capital investment in Dorset.
· Monitoring trends in occupancy rates in Dorset's accommodation establishments.
· An ongoing study of trends in the volume of visitors to attractions in Dorset.
· Regular reporting of key issues related to the region's tourism industry.
· A number of issue-related ad hoc projects. For example, a study into the impact of 2001's Foot & Mouth outbreak, a study of Dorset and the New Forest's overseas markets, and a study of Dorset's camping & caravan sector.
· Specialised projects commissioned by organisations and businesses in the tourism industry.
Recent research findings are reported in the form of tourism publications, which are available for purchase. We also produce 'In Focus', presenting the latest industry news and trends in a quarterly research newsletter, and produce free tourism facts leaflets summarising key tourism statistics in a concise and easily accessible format.
If you would like any further information regarding our tourism research please contact John Brackstone (E-mail jbrackst@bournemouth.ac.uk) or call 01202 963871.
Current DNFTDP Tourism Facts and Figures