The team, from the Business School at University of Greenwich will present their findings at the European Week of Regions and Cities in Brussels on 8 October.
Early findings of an international survey of market traders and visitors to markets show that whilst markets in England and France are valued for the quality of their service, they are not making the best of the visitor economy.
Dr Andres Coca-Stefaniak, Associate Professor of Tourism and Events and co-investigator on the GO TRADE project said: "Traditional markets have played historically a huge role in the sustainability and viability of our town centres. This role is even more important today, particularly for young entrepreneurs trying to market-test their business ideas and older customers keen to avoid out-of-town shopping malls in favour of fresh local produce and a more personal touch. However, markets need to offer more unique experiences to locals and visitors alike if they are to compete with large supermarkets. People in France and England have told us that they would like to see not only more attractive markets but also more events and entertainment available at the market."
The survey has been designed and managed by University of Greenwich in conjunction with the NMTF (previously known as the National Market Traders Federation) as well as markets and town centres in Great Yarmouth, Gravesend, Castle Point and Basildon in England and several locations in northern France as part of the £4.8 million GO TRADE project, which is co-funded by the European Union and led by Professor Petros Ieromonachou, Director of the Connected Cities Research Group.
Over the next two years, the GO TRADE project will be developing tourism promotion initiatives for markets on both sides of the English Channel and business support packages for market stall holders to enhance their competitiveness and service offer. The project is supported by the university's Generator and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Interreg VA cross-border (England- France) programme.
Contact:
Dr Andres Coca-Stefaniak, Associate Professor of Tourism and Events, University of Greenwich, Email: a.coca-stefaniak@gre.ac.uk
