TIC is a vital part of the visitors experience, a major component of the Tourist Information Network & it plays a crucial role in the Destination Management Process. However, a TIC should not stand alone. It should be part of a visitor information plan and able to reflect the aims & objectives of the destination’s visitors services strategy. Take a moment and see my slideshare presentation focusing on the role of tourist information centres in contemporary destination management and some practical examples in Athens, Cape Town and Manchester (Best Practice).
Tourist Information Centres: The Cases of Athens, Cape Town & Manchester
1. Tourist Information Centers as a vital component for providing quality visitors services. The Cases of & Manchester, UK , Cape Town, SA & Athens,GR ManolisPsarros Destination Development & Marketing Consultant
2. Definition of TIC ‘’A tourist information center, is a physical location that provides tourist information to the visitors who tour the place or area locally’’.
5. & plays a crucial role in theDestinationManagement Process Stage 2: Marketing • Guide distribution - CRM and direct marketing - Holiday planning - Response to promotion - Joint marketing The Virtuous Circle of Destination Management Stage 1: Promotion • Information distribution – Brochure distribution - Press coverage - Advertisement campaigns - Branding Stage 3: Fulfilment • Reservations – Bookings - Tickets Stage 4: Experience • Tourist Information – Interpretation - Sale of Guide Books - Guided Tours - Signage Stage 5: Analysis • Surveys – Analysis – Planning – Preparation
6. however, a TIC shouldnot stand alone. Itshouldbepart of a visitorinformation plan and abletoreflecttheaims & objectives of thedestination’svisitorsservicesstrategy.
9. Objectives 1. Provide quality information to visitors & Identify additional ways to distribute information in order to reach wider audiences.
10. Objectives 2. Ensure a sustained approach to offering “personal contact services”.
11. Objectives 3. Make bookings for visitors (e.g. accommodation for leisure visitors and conference delegates, travel, attraction and event tickets).
12. Objectives 4. Build strong relationships with local tourism businesses by supporting and encouraging the quality and breadth of the visitor offer in the City.
16. Literature Distribution – printed materials (localy, nationally and internationally. Locally it is vital that local businesses and language schools are adequately stocked with the free Visitor Map and guide. Bulk distribution should be made to tour operators, group organisers, conference organisers, Other TICs throughout the country and others that bring large numbers of visitors to the city.
17.
18. Sustain Commissions for accommodation bookings & events/attractions tickets sales made for/to visitors.
37. Tourist Information Network: The Case Of Athens Athens TV Screen + Touch Screen Connected to BreathtakingAthens.com
38. Tourist Information Network: The Case Of Athens Merchandising – Official City of Athens Products - Quality Tourist Gifts & Souvenirs
39. Tourist Information Network: The Case Of Manchester Spatial Accessibility Analysis & Observation Studies for finding the Optimum Locations Analyzing Proximity from Key Attractors & Transport Hubs
50. Assignments in Australia, China, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Montserrat, Ethiopia, Seychelles, South Africa, Namibia, Estonia, Slovenia, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Greece and Belgium and throughout the UK, at national, regional and local level
51. CEO Dr Roger Carter spent 25 years working for tourism organizations – national, regional and city – within the UK