Tourist Information Point opens as county revs up...

A DEDICATED interactive Tourist Information Point has opened at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery. The move is part of the ongoing campaign to increase local tourism across Northamptonshire and to boost business for those in the county’s visitor economy. The Tourist Information Point provides a range of information on Northamptonshire’s attractions and experiences. Its creation has been led by Discover Northamptonshire, the Local Visitor Economy Partnership, which described the opening as a significant milestone. The information hub has been funded via UK Shared Prosperity Funding. It is one way in which West Northamptonshire Council, as part of Discover Northamptonshire, is implementing ways to harness and grow the existing strengths of the local visitor economy, attracting increased footfall, spend and overnight visitors. The experience economy is a recognised investment sector in the West Northants Economic Growth Strategy which outlines West Northamptonshire Council’s commitment to realise the potential of the visitor economy, focusing on specific areas such as sport, film and heritage. Cllr James Petter, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure, said: “Northamptonshire is proud to host world-renowned events like the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the Women’s Rugby World Cup, and the much-loved Heritage Open Days later this year. “We regularly welcome visitors from across the UK and around the world and we want every visit to be memorable. “By using our Discover Northamptonshire website and the growing network of Tourist Information Points, we are helping ensure that everyone can make the most of their time here and be inspired to come back again and again.” The initiative follows the county’s recent LVEP accreditation, which recognises Northamptonshire’s growing status as a key tourist destination in the UK. Northamptonshire welcomes more than 18 million visitors each year, generating nearly £1 billion in spending. This supports more than 30,000 jobs and 3,000 businesses, including attractions, hotels, pubs, and venues. With 99% of local businesses being small and medium-sized enterprises, tourism plays a vital role in sustaining the county’s unique character across its towns, villages, and countryside. Richard Clinton, chair of Discover Northamptonshire said: “The collaboration and passion across everyone in this county is what makes projects like this achievable. “The LVEP has a strategy to grow the visitor economy locally, to attract inward investment in the sector and to support our local businesses. We have a shared vision that we are all backing; to strategically harness and grow the local visitor economy, showcasing Northamptonshire as a must-visit destination. “We are excited to see this new hub inspire more people to keep discovering everything the county has to offer.” The Tourism Information Point launch event was attended by key stakeholders, members of the Discover Northamptonshire board, its Tourism Business Network board and West Northamptonshire Council cabinet members. Northampton College supported the event with tourism students attending to learn about the future of the visitor economy, as well as providing catering services to showcase the skills of the future workforce to grow the industry. The Tourist Information Point in Northampton builds on the successful Discover Northamptonshire hub at Rushden Lakes. To find out more, click here.

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