Co-location on the cards for the city’s tourist office

Gloucester’s Tourist Information Centre could be set for a change when it goes before cabinet next week.

The tourist information centre (TIC) which has won a series of awards could be relocating to two sites:  Gloucester Guildhall and the Museum of Gloucester.

If given the green light, the plan going before Gloucester City Councillors at the meeting on February 6, will see the award winning service become more accessible to a wider range of customers.

The move comes following recognition that over the past five years there has been a growing trend towards the use of online and digital visitor information services and online ticket sales.

This has meant a drop in footfall at the current TIC site and reduced gift shop and ticket sales.

The changes could see a saving of around £38k as well as increasing visitors to both the museum and the Guildhall.

Other advantages include that the Guildhall offers longer, more accessible opening hours as well as being next to a multi-storey car parking and the opportunity to attract more people to visit the Guildhall café.

If it goes ahead the move will be supported by an increased marketing and promotions programme and investment in staff training.

The main gift shop will be located at the Museum of Gloucester and a smaller range of goods will be on sale at the Guildhall.

Councillor Lise Noakes, cabinet member for culture and leisure at Gloucester City Council, said: “This will be a great opportunity to make sure many more people benefit from our great tourism service and maybe discover or rediscover the museum and the Guildhall. Many businesses these days recognise the value of co-locating and as a modern council we should be adaptable and always thinking about we can provide the best possible service while making the most efficient use of taxpayer’s money.”