AC 4.1

Introduction

Providing information for visitors is very important to tourism destinations. Tourists need information before they visit the destination as well as during their visit. Information might be needed by individuals, couples and families visiting the destination. It might also be required by businesses and tour operators bringing groups to the destination. Information for visitors may be provided in print, through leaflets and brochures. It may be provided face to face or through a telephone conversation. However, increasingly, visitor information is provided by technology such as websites, apps and social media.

Tourist types

Leisure tourists – those who have not visited the destination before will need to be informed about the destination and persuaded to visit rather than to go somewhere else.  Information must give a positive impression and ‘sell’ the destination. When in the destination, visitors will need information about how to get the best value out of their visit.

Business tourists – might need information about venues for meetings and conferences.  They might also need to find out about hotels which have conference facilities.

Different ages – younger tourists will want to find out about nightlife and festivals as well as information about the major attractions and activities. Families might need information about family-friendly accommodation and attractions suitable for children. Couples might need to find out about the range of activities and events going on. Older visitors might need information on public transport.

Different cultures – visitors would need maps and guides in their own language and perhaps guided tours in their own language.

Products and services

• Most tourist information is provided by public sector organisations such as tourist boards and DMOs. 
• Many destinations are making use of new technologies such as apps to inform tourists.
• A tourist board can develop a new website to update information and announce new events.
• Tourist boards of local authorities can decide to redevelop or open new TICs.
• Local authorities can develop new visitor maps, guides and other forms of printed information.
• Tourist boards could decide to offer more services in different languages to support tourists from different countries.

Promotion

• A lot of the work of visitor information services also promotes the destination.
• Major attractions and accommodation providers will also promote the destination and provide information to tourists.
• Transport operators will promote the destination through the routes and schedules to the destination.

Organisational Involvement

• The local authority will have a major role in promoting visits to the destination. This will help the economy of the destination.
• The tourist board or DMO will have a responsibility to promote the destination and its facilities.
• Major attractions and accommodation providers will also have an interest in making sure that tourists continue to visit the destination.

Funding

Much of the funding for providing visitor information is through the local authority and its tourism department. This body might fund the tourist board

Make some notes about how visitor information provided in your chosen destination can increase the appeal of the destination.