I would like to respond to the article on tourist information centres in last week’s Gazette.
Coun Brady’s comments on the TICs ignores the local economic contribution made by local visitor centres. Visitors using local visitor centres spend more in the local economy as a result of their visit as often they change travel plans and extend stays. This is evidenced by recent Visit England and South West Visitor surveys. While this benefit does not generate direct revenues for the council it does go to supporting local businesses which for towns like Devizes is essential.
As regards to the use of the internet for tourist information and bookings, while many people with computers do use the internet for initial enquiry they visit the local information centre for local advice.
More importantly he is disenfranchising the considerable part of the population who do not have computers.
I would urge the council to commit to supporting sustainable visitor centres.
John Gaca, Great Western Close, Devizes.
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