Decision details

Decision Maker: Leisure and Public Realm Portfolio Holder

Decision status: Recommendations approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Decision:

To explore options to improve the Tourism information offer in Walton and potentially provide a wider information base covering all Council services and possibly other agencies.  As a consequence to not open the Walton Tourism Information Centre (TIC) from Summer 2018 but to evaluate options in line with the TDC digital connectivity strategy.

Reasons for the decision:

TDC has traditionally provided a small TIC type service in Walton but it is now little used by visitors and takes very little in sales revenue.  The majority of information is now web based and self serviced and the Council is seeking to improve digital  connectivity as part of its digital transformation programme.  The funding currently used to provide the TIC could be better used in providing an improved and enhanced digital offer and officers will work with other agencies, such as the CCG to evaluate options for a kiosk type offer which could provide TIC type services and access to other TDC and agency services thereby improving overall digital connectivity.

Alternative options considered:

Operating the traditional staff TIC model via the Walton Community Project would cost c£5,000 pa for the forthcoming summer season for staffing, signage and computer access and c£4,000 thereafter but there is no evidence to suggest that this will increase footfall given the change in customer expectations.  The TIC has previously operated from the EWT centre at the Naze but there was found to be very low footfall.

Publication date: 15/05/2018

Date of decision: 15/05/2018

Effective from: 23/05/2018

Accompanying Documents: