Provision of a Visitor Photography Service for Belfast Zoo

This Prior Information Notice is to inform the marketplace of Belfast City Council’s intention to carry out research to help shape and inform the development of a visitor photography service at Belfast Zoo.

The Council owns and is responsible for Belfast Zoo, which houses over 500 animals and more than 110 species across a 55-acre site that overlooks the city. It is an award winning and popular destination for local residents and visitors, attracting 200k + visitors per annum.

As one of the oldest visitor attractions in Northern Ireland, the Council is continuing to seek new and innovative ways of creating fond memories for those that visit the zoo. For example, in addition to the audio tour and the Zoovenir shop, the Junior Keeper experience has been recently relaunched and there are further animal experiences planned for mid-2023.

Other zoos and similar venues have introduced photography services and courses to enhance the overall visitor experience.

The Council is now seeking to hear from organisations that might be interested in providing high-quality and modern photography services and courses at the zoo. This may include the provision of tailored workshops, interactive and fun photography experiences, static and/or ride camera systems with online and/or offline capabilities, software solutions (such as apps) etc.

It is anticipated that these services and courses would:

• Increase visitor engagement.
• Enhance the overall visitor experience.
• Complement the existing visitor services at the zoo.
• Increase revenue at the zoo.
• Increase competitive advantage.
• Increase brand awareness and social media profile.