IMAGINE how beneficial lots of mini TIC hubs could be for the Bay, rather than the current limitation of just three contact points.

Having read the letters of concern in the Herald Express regarding the closing of Brixham Tourist Information Centre, I would like to invite you to our parks to experience the tourist information services we have on our parks and the personal service and value we already give to our customers.

We have always seen ourselves as a mini TIC and I believe we are an excellent example of what the mini hubs would be like. We employ local people who have an in depth knowledge of the locale. As a result our staff are informative of all local events and attractions; from beaches to country walks, tourist attractions and restaurants.

Many of our customers are regulars who understand the local area and welcome the rapport they have built with our staff. Many more require the information of the towns before they actually arrive here and use the information we provide in our brochure and on our website, as well as using the internet to investigate activities in the area and to understand the benefits of staying in Torbay. For those who have no prior knowledge, we provide a range of information and our staff are always ready to offer the information they require. Many do not feel the need to go to a 'traditional' TIC as they have already got all the information they need from us.

We pride ourselves in providing a valuable service to our customers and the local community. There are many advantages of lots of mini hubs, both to day visitors and staying visitors, and I would like to demonstrate the value to the Bay of many more mini hubs like ourselves in and around the towns.

In addition to the cost-saving benefit, they also allow us to build a rapport with our customers and provide a direct emotional link between our customers and the local area.

CLAIRE JEAVONS

Beverley Holidays

THE debate concerning the closure of Tourist Information Centres is fierce and it is understandable that people are concerned when businesses need all the promotion they can get.

However, the TICs are currently difficult to get to and not necessarily open when people want to visit. Having visitor information available in a variety of places must be a better way forward.

As with any strategy, it is vital that the tourism marketing 'mix' is looked at in its entirety and that questions are asked about each element and its contribution to the whole. If only 25 per cent of visitors to the Bay visit a TIC and they cost in excess of £200,000 a year to run then their viability must be questioned.

The existing spend on attracting people to the Bay is woefully small and finding more money for this is a priority. The English Riviera Attractions Partnership (ERAP) fully supports the Turning the Tide for Tourism Strategy and accepts that this will mean difficult decisions in the short-term to move forward to a more prosperous future.

KATE FOSTER

Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust and chairwoman of English Riviera Attractions Partnership