Nottingham criticised for 'not making the most of Robin Hood'
TOURISM experts have criticised Nottingham for not making the most of Robin Hood.
A survey by Nottingham University Business School showed a third of people associate the city with the celebrated outlaw.
It showed visitors and locals gave Robin Hood more than eight out of ten for importance for his links to the city.
However, Anita Fernandez Young, co-author of the study and lecturer in tourism management and marketing, said: "We should recognise Robin's name is known worldwide. Yet, in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, the places with which he's most widely associated, Robin seems to disappear a little more each year."
Yorkshire has challenged Nottingham's claim to Robin Hood.
However, experts say neither have "made the most of Robin – despite fighting over his origins."
Research co-author Liz Crosland-Taylor said: "While our research showed a high level of satisfaction with the Nottingham experience, many visitors were disappointed with the Robin Hood dimension."
The Tales of Robin Hood also closed last year.
6 Comments
by Anon, Derby
Wednesday, November 03 2010, 7:25PM
“To be honest i think it's about time a proper research institute got involved in assessing this ongoing problem. I'm pleased it's finally being acknowledged!”
by From the Greenwood of Sherwood, Nottingham
Tuesday, November 02 2010, 9:32PM
“The Council sent at a cost from the tax payers The Sheriff of Nottingham to America to try to find out ways to Promote our famous Robin.
Why not go to Skegness its closer and cheaper and its in England where Robin lived not in Texas.
They shut down Tales of Robin Hood and then they spent thousands on a new slanting N lapel badge.
So what lame brained idea will the labour council come up with next.
And they still rob the poor and keep it for them self's”
by Retro Ranger, Nottingham
Tuesday, November 02 2010, 7:16PM
“At last - experts have looked into this. Saw the news report on ITV Central this evening and I agree with many of the people interviewed about the lack of Robin Hood in Nottingham. I find it tiresome that our so-called Sheriff seems to oppose the findings of the report - and justifies that they're doing something by mentioning the new Robin Hood trail is just a joke - how is Nottingham meant to compete for visitors when the 'big new attraction' is just a glorified walk in the city centre - again, a huge disappointment for Nottingham and its people!
What about the trip to the States the council did? - surely visiting all those large US attractions for inspiration didn't lead to a walk?!”
by Mr Slappy, Nottingham
Tuesday, November 02 2010, 12:54PM
“Nottingham is well known for three things - Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest, Nottingham Castle.
None of them are here!
Robin Hood wasn't from Nottingham and there's very little indication of him in the city;
Sherwood Forest is nowhere near Nottingham;
The "Castle" is actually a large mansion house.
No wonder this city has gone downhill. Maybe our elected leaders could do something about this?”
by Mikel Hecht, Nottingham
Tuesday, November 02 2010, 11:33AM
“Robin Hood is lame as a tourist attraction, just like DH Lawrence. Little of substance to see, just a name.”
by michael, nottingham
Tuesday, November 02 2010, 9:41AM
“This has always been .a wasted opportunity.”