All Tourist Information Centres closed onm Isle of Wight

Learning Links, a not for profit organisation is carrying out research to identify how it might add value to the current marketing of accommodation providers and attractions on the Isle of Wight. 

In the main they are concerned about the long term impact of the closure of all Tourist Information Centres, which were closed in March 2011.

Learning Links is a known community focused organisation already established and working throughout the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth.

The aim of the research is to identify the need for, and feasibility of setting up a new breed of Tourist Information Centre that would be: located in the main tourist destinations with a central booking facility for accommodation, attractions and tours.

Each would be staffed by local people Learning Links are helping find employment. The research will determine the viability of providing a tea room and internet access at the centres, again offering local employment opportunities.

Learning Links have a successful track record of securing funding to help people into employment, or set up their own business, providing a range of training programmes and business start up support.

They recognise that tourism is a large part of the Island’s employment sector and economy as it supports over 20% of employment and generates a multimillion income of direct and indirect tourism.

Grant Kennedy, Development and Delivery Director at Learning Links has direct, high level experience of providing marketing support to tourist destinations.

He understands that tourism is vital to the Island; last year an estimated 2.6 million visitors came to the Island bringing in revenue of £404 million.