We’re just coming to the end of a fascinating research project for a partnership of Grands Sites (AONBs) and departmental tourist boards along the north coast of France. The area – 150 km from the Belgian border to the Somme estuary – is recognised in this country as a “gateway” to the rest of France, but little-known for its natural beauty and wide sandy beaches. The partners want to attract more Brits there on leisure breaks, and over the past weeks we’ve been working with our sister company Bluegrass Research to carry out qualitative research into perceptions and motivations of visitors and non-visitors, resulting in insights that will inform tourism development and marketing plans. Yesterday’s results presentation to a 20-strong group took place in a clifftop meeting room, reached along a coastal road that meandered through stunning scenery and sweet seaside villages. A spring sea mist obscured what-should-have-been spectacular views of the English coast, but inside the room the fog lifted as we shone a light on the mindsets of British visitors …