20222023 City Marketing Vlissingen
Project description:
The goal of the research for the municipality of Vlissingen is to determine the reason why students study in Vlissingen and how to make them stay after their studies. It is desirable for the city to bind more young professionals to the city because they help to develop Vlissingen into a twenty-first-century society.
Outcomes:
All in all, it can be derived from the research made by the team that students tend to leave the city of Vlissingen, as it does not provide enough opportunities for leisure time, and it is not considered as a student friendly city. Most of the respondents described Vlissingen as boring, as parties and festivals are missing from the city and other than the beach there is not much to see. To improve Vlissingen as a student city, the team suggests the following:
- Education: Introducing a master’s program at HZ University would encourage students to stay and contribute innovative ideas to the city.
- Safety: Increasing the presence of police and 'handhavers' on the streets, especially at night, would make students feel safer.
- Jobs: A dedicated job website and stronger collaboration between businesses and students (e.g., meet-and-greet events) would improve employment opportunities.
- Leisure: More free public sports facilities, a greater variety of restaurants (including student discounts), and better shopping options (men’s clothing, thrift stores) would enhance student life.
- Nightlife: Theme parties, events, and collaboration between business owners, HZ, and APV housing could make nightlife more attractive to students.
- Public Transport: Student discounts and additional buses/routes, especially at night and weekends, would improve mobility and strengthen Vlissingen as a student hub.
- Green Spaces: More parks, picnic areas, and activities in forests would provide better outdoor relaxation options.
- Housing: Developing student housing in the city center and working with more housing companies would address accommodation shortages.
- Promotion: A student website, better marketing of events, and municipal support for business owners would bridge the gap between students and city activities.
Client:
Municipality of Vlissingen