Cleveleys Named Lancashire’s Top TIC

11 September 2009

Thurs 10 Sept 2009

Today, Cleveleys Tourist Information Centre (TIC) was named Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board’s (LBTB’s) Tourist Information Centre of the Year 2009/10 and will now go forward to represent the county at the England’s Northwest Tourism Awards later this month.

Cleveleys TIC, last year’s runner up, today topped the chart of Lancashire’s fifteen tourist information centres, having achieved near perfect scores in a rigorous annual mystery shopping exercise.  All recognised TICs across the Northwest region were assessed during July and August on behalf of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), with the highest scoring Lancashire TIC being named LBTB’s winning Tourist Information Centre of the Year; the concluding award of the annual Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards 2009/10, which took place earlier this year in June.

A delighted Tom Pridmore, Director of Tourism for Wyre Borough Council, said: “To be declared the best in Lancashire is a major achievement and it underlines our commitment to ensuring people get the most out of their time in Wyre. This is a deserved reward for the hard work and professionalism of our TIC staff, whose welcoming attitude has established them as the first port of call for visitors.

“And it’s great news that the award is staying in Wyre following Fleetwood’s success last year.”

The annual quality assessment comprises mystery shops by email, on the telephone and in person, with centres marked on a variety of services including the handling of enquiries, interaction with customers as well as the appearance of the centre.

Cleveleys achieved 100% in their handling of e-mail requests and the appearance of the centre, with near perfect scores in every other category.  Lancashire’s TICs have attained some of the best scores in the region with 80% of the county’s TICs achieving a 100% score in at least one category.

Presenting the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Award today, Mike Wilkinson LBTB Chief Executive said “The tourist board is delighted by this year’s TIC mystery shopping results. The consistent quality of service across Lancashire is impressive and reveals the dedication and professionalism of our front line tourism teams.

Congratulations to Wyre Borough Council who can now celebrate winning the title for two years running.”

Peter Mearns, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at the NWDA, said: “Cleveleys TIC has performed exceptionally well in this year’s mystery shopping survey and I’m sure they will prove to be tough competition for the other finalists at the England’s Northwest Tourism Awards. It is vital that we create an excellent first impression through our TICs, providing relevant, up-to-date information that will help visitors to make the most of their stay and encourage them to discover the wider area.”

The England’s Northwest Tourism Awards are organised by the NWDA and this year take place on Monday 28th September at Blackpool Tower. Cleveleys TIC will be competing against Congleton TIC (Cheshire), St Helens TIC (Merseyside), Wigan TIC (Manchester) and Coniston TIC (Cumbria).

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