Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Cabinet, on Monday 5 July, approved the continuation of the current tourism service in partnership with Stratford-upon-Avon College until October 2011.
The Henley Street TIC, 'Welcome to Stratford-upon-Avon', was opened in May as a temporary measure following the demise of Shakespeare Country and the subsequent closure of the original TIC in Bridgefoot.
The College will be employing a number of apprentices at the centre to support the team that is already in operation at 62 Henley Street. Visitors to the centre can now purchase tickets to Warwick Castle and will shortly be able to buy tickets to other local venues in the region. The services offered at the centre will be expanded significantly over the coming months, following consultation with local businesses.
Councillor Mike Brain, Community Services Portfolio says: "The District Council needs to ensure the continuity of its tourism service and the new service has been so positive with many local businesses writing to the Council to express their support for the Henley Street operation. The success of the current operation provided a strong case that this should continue."
Martin Penny, Principal at Stratford-upon-Avon College commented, "I am delighted that we will continue to support the town and local area in this way. Stratford-upon-Avon College was the first college in the country to receive the Training Quality Standard with excellence in hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism which highlights our outstanding reputation in this field.
"We will be focussing our attention on the promotion of accommodation and attractions for the Stratford district area. A number of open meetings will be announced shortly to gain input from tourism-related businesses in the area. We want to ensure that we offer the services that businesses need through 'pay as you go' schemes rather than membership programmes with up-front payments."
