WEST Devon needs a new strategy to deliver 'Visitor Information' and achieve the purpose of adding value to the visitor experience of the locality — the ultimate objective being to extend the average length of visitor stay and promote return visits.

'Tourist Information Centres' (TICs) were a 20th Century model for visitor information delivery. To achieve the same objective in the 21st Century a new model is needed. 'Visitor Information' is a more modern term for the concept that also imparts a change of mind-set.

West Devon Borough Council has recently decided to axe funding and put the last nail in the coffin of our two TICs. Well done WDBC!

This outcome was achieved by: 1) Siting Tavistock TIC in a 'bunker' in Court Gate with poor signage and a door Lewis Carroll's 'Alice' would struggle to get through; 2) Starving the TICs of funding, new technology and presentation devices; 3) Setting them almost impossible income targets.

Then the council debated why footfall had fallen and the monetary amount to be saved that they would rather direct to 'non-discretionary' services.

Also, it was decided that business should step-up and implicitly pay more for what they have already contributed to in rates and direct charges for the axed 'discretionary' service.

Is WDBC buck passing and suffering from budgetary tunnel vision or is it serious about sustaining West Devon's economic vitality by promoting visitor enjoyment and satisfaction?

Economic vitality is largely underpinned by attracting visitors, resulting in local business-to-business spend and re-spend, mainly amongst independent businesses.

An economic cycle that does not rely heavily on supermarkets, chain stores and charity shops that export profits.

Moving on; we need to get over asking why we are where we are. 'Visitors' to West Devon as an economic classification generate probably the most significant proportion of our local wealth, and perhaps enthusiasm for living in one of the most pleasant parts of England. We need more visitors.

At present there is no thought-through approach that accounts for changes in access to information and visitor needs in the 21st Century. There is published research on the topic and expertise in the field available in the locality through tourism and trade associations.

Those with an interest in the economic vitality and sustainment of the locality need to contribute to the effort to inform, educate and entertain our visitors.

Visitor Information and easy access to it is vital in selling the 'sizzle' of Tavistock, West Devon and the Dartmoor locality.

The council's call for engagement needs to be taken up by those with ideas, including Tavistock BID. They need to get together to make it happen within a new model for visitor information delivery.

The author would happily volunteer to join a working group to develop our new model for visitor information delivery. WDBC — bring it on!

Paul Williamson

Harford Bridge Holiday Park

Tavistock