‘Our visitor centres still have a big role to play’
A GROUP set up to help give visitors to Helensburgh the best possible experience of the town says plans by VisitScotland to shut its entire network of information centres are “counter-intuitive”.
Destination Helensburgh director Anne Foy was reacting after Scotland’s national tourist body announced all of its ‘iCentres’ will shut in the next two years.
Destination Helensburgh’s Sinclair Street centre is run independently of VisitScotland and so won’t be affected by the closure.
But Anne says that Destination Helensburgh’s experience shows hubs like theirs are “invaluable” to communities.
Helensburgh has not had a VisitScotland facility since the Clock Tower on the seafront, which previously housed an information point, was put up for sale in 2016.
The nearest iCentre to Helensburgh, located in Balloch, will close, as will the facilities in Rothesay, Oban, Bowmore on Islay, and Craignure on Mull.
Though independent, Destination Helensburgh is a partner in VisitScotland’s iKnow programme, part of the tourism body’s quality assurance (QA) scheme which is also being brought to an end.
Director Anne Foy said: “Destination Helensburgh started because we felt there was a lack of tourist information in - and about - the town.
“We think that phasing out the QA programme and iCentres seems counterintuitive, because the VisitScotland badge and ratings help visitors easily identify where they can get reliable information and quality experiences.
“We meet lots of people who want to know what there is to see and do locally.
“Many people come to Helensburgh without having done lots of internet research first, for example, there are quite a few people who have never heard of the Hill House until we tell them about it!
“Visitors love being able to pick up leaflets with local information and being able to talk to someone to get recommendations that are directly relevant to their interests.
“Providing an authentic experience with local advice from our friendly volunteers is invaluable in promoting the town, and we do get lovely feedback from our visitors.
“We also of course provide information to residents too, for example via our ‘what’s on’ calendar.
“Even though VisitScotland may be phasing out their QA programme and iCentres, Destination Helensburgh will continue to provide information to residents and visitors, as well as promoting the local area.”
VisitScotland said the closures were necessary due to the reduced need for in person centres.
All its iCentres will remain open until the end of September this year, with a phased closure programme then kicking in, running until March 2026.
John Thurso, the hereditary peer serving as the chair of VisitScotland, said: “The demand for iCentres has reduced while the demand for online information and booking has continued to grow.
“Prioritising a digital-first model of information provision allows us to reach potential visitors at those early planning stages when we can shape their future travel decisions.”