Positive changes for Tourist Information Centres
Last updated | 21/03/2008
A report to the Council's Enterprise and Infrastructure Committee will highlight the authority's commitment to secure a positive future for the area's Tourist Information Centres (TICs).
The paper, to be considered by the Committee on Wednesday 26 March, reports on a recent review of the area's TICs and suggests recommendations for each local centre.
Local TICs are run in partnership with VisitScotland Perthshire, who came up with an options paper for each centre following the review. Following detailed discussions involving elected members and local tourism associations the list of recommendations and opportunities for each of the TICs in Perth and Kinross was drawn up.
The E&I Committee will be asked to approve the recommendations, and to continue funding the Partnership Agreement with VisitScotland to run local TICs into 2008/09.
Recommendations include:
* Aberfeldy and Blairgowrie - The TIC locations and their year-round opening are maintained, and that opening hours in the summer season are slightly increased.
* Crieff - As the lease expires in 2008 the TIC should be relocated to a new town centre location, at the request of the local Tourist Association. It is recommended that the Council approves that VisitScotland continues in discussions with Edinburgh Woolen Mill to locate the TIC within their retail outlet. This would reduce costs and allow for extended opening hours. Until a new location is found VisitScotland has requested that the old premises continue to be run on a month-to-month basis.
Dunkeld - The TIC would relocate to the Post Office. This would allow the TIC to provide a service all-year round - at present only a summer service can be provided.
Perth - Relocation options should be investigated to maximise the usage of a city centre TIC, and the rental of a retail outlet in partnership with the Museum and Concert Hall should be looked at.
Kinross - Following the closure of Kinross TIC in October 2007 the service should be relocated to the County Buildings in the town. The office will be staffed by VisitScotland from April to September each year.
E&I Committee Convener, Councillor John Kellas, said: “Tourist Information Centres have traditionally been an important element in attracting, welcoming and informing visitors to the area.
“Tourism is vitally important to the Perth and Kinross economy and so it’s crucial that we provide the right services in the right places for our visitors. A good TIC network will ensure that tourists enjoy their stay and get the most of of their visit to the area. This will encourage them to return again.
"The tourism industry is dynamic, challenging and highly competitive and in order to be successful it is necessary that tourism businesses and visitors are effectively served. This review will allow us to tailor TIC services for specific towns according to their needs.
"I welcome these recommendations as a positive step forward for the local TIC network, the towns they serve and the visitors who will benefit from their services."
