Fears of tourism slump

Disappearing Tourist Information Centres in the Black Country are driving down visitor numbers in the area, it was claimed today.

Two in Dudley have closed, Walsall's has been drastically downsized, and Sandwell has never had one. Only Wolverhampton, with its busy Queen Square office, is leading the way in telling tourists what is on offer.

Former director of Black Country Tourism Keith Cheetham today said the centres were vital if towns and cities and the local economy were to thrive in the future.

He said: "If Black Country boroughs are serious about marketing the area to visitors, then they should give urgent attention to the matter."

The Heart of England Tourist Board also backed his concerns and said the Black Country was one of the poorest regions in the country in terms of offering information to visitors.

Dudley's TIC was based in Churchill Precinct until it was moved into the Central Library.

This eventually closed down and the service was absorbed into the main council building.

Mr Cheetham, now an independent tourism consultant, said: "On a recent visit to Dudley, the only sign of any tourist information was a single panel display of leaflets about Dudley's own local attractions."

Mr Cheetham said a service at the Merry Hill centre has also disappeared.

Walsall's tourist information was until recently available at the Centro inquiry office at the bus station. It was recently taken over by Walsall Council after funding was dropped.

Mr Cheetham said: "Some may argue that more use is made of the internet these days but there is still a large slice of the population – especially the over 50s – which is unfamiliar with or unable to enjoy computer facilities.

"There is nothing which can replace walking into a TIC to be greeted by a friendly member of staff who can not only answer travel and other inquiries, but also point visitors in the way of local tourist attractions, hotels and other accommodation."