MP Simon Jupp officially opens Sidmouth's new-look Tourist Information Centre

By Philippa Davies

4th Oct 2021 | Local News

Sidmouth's refurbished Tourist Information Centre has been officially opened by the East Devon MP Simon Jupp.

Town councillors and their guests attended the opening evening on Thursday, September 30, enjoying drinks and canapes in the modernised building.

The centre now has more space and a lighter look, and is decorated with the fresh Visit Sidmouth branding.

A team of friendly staff are on hand to answer visitors' questions and give information about events taking place in Sidmouth and the wider surrounding area. They can also help people make digital bookings via the Visit Sidmouth website.

Mr Jupp said: "It is so heartening to see the town council and its tourism information centre project with such a collaborative spirit in wanting to work together for the good of our town. I live here, I love our town, it's a fantastic place. And now we have a very special brand to promote it – it is amazing."

Reflecting new trends in the visitor trade

Sidmouth Town Council is one of just a few in the country that still has a Tourist Information Centre, with staff providing a face-to-face presence. The council feels that this is vital for communications with visitors and local businesses, and the refurbishment of the centre is part of a longer term strategic approach for the town's tourism reliant economy.

The new-look centre aims to reflect new trends in the range of visitors who come to Sidmouth. It caters for those who are seeking a holiday or a day visit, whether they are looking for shopping, outdoor pursuits such as walking, cycling and sea-based leisure, or if they just want a relaxing day by the sea.

The centre also has a new range of high quality, environment-friendly Visit Sidmouth merchandise for visitors to take home or for residents to give as presents to friends and families.

'Welcoming visitors will help support recovery'

Councillor Louise Cole, Chair of the Tourism and Economy Working Group said: "As a Town Council, we have worked hard, even before Covid, to make sure our town is promoted as the quality destination that it is, in a managed and responsible way.

"Our hospitality sector has been hit hard through the pandemic and it is vital that we support recovery if we are to have a resilient economy and welcome the visitors that will help that to happen.

"The challenges are significant but our commitment to continue to support businesses to evolve and adapt is part of a pathway to quality employment in the Sid Valley that can encourage young people to stay and supports residents to be able to enjoy the town as a vibrant place to live."