Setting up a digital visitor information point in the future home of Newton Abbot Town Council and Museum is being considered by councillors next week.
The plan would see the new service based in the former St Leonard’s Church building near the Library and which is to be called Newton’s Place. As a visitor attraction in its own right, the building is likely to attract greater numbers of people who will benefit from the digital service.
The change in service, which will see the current walk-in service in Market Hall close, follows a review of how Newton Abbot’s Tourist Information Centre has been working. The recommended change reflects both the drop in footfall and the changing habits of those seeking information. Today people tend to access traditional tourism information via their phones and online sources.
The proposed move to be part of the Town Council and Museum would see a change from the current service, focusing more on the town, Newton’s Place and local events, rather the traditional function of booking tickets and providing travel timetables. Volunteers will still be on hand in Newton’s Place to give local advice and support to visitors.
As part of the proposal, Teignbridge would provide the Town Council with funding for the purchase of a touch screen and for the production of up to date maps, as well as supporting Visit South Devon and its online promotion and marketing.
The proposal also reflects the need for the Council to use available funding effectively and supports plans by the Town Council to bring different services together in Newton’s Place.
A full review of the Dawlish Tourism Information Service has yet to be carried out and it is expected to be working normally throughout the 2020 summer season. Teignbridge will work with Dawlish Town Council as part of the district’s annual Business Plan Review.
TDC’s Executive will next week consider a report from officers recommending that the Tourism Centre in Newton Abbot closes and the new digital service is launched from Newton’s Place.
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