Notts tourism bosses reveal ‘exciting new hub’
The planned relocation for Nottingham’s Travel Centre from Victoria Bus Station alongside refurbishment works in the Tourist Information Centre in Old Market Square will help to create an “exciting new tourist hub” according to city tourism bosses.
They say that the new central location for the Travel Centre will be more convenient and accessible for locals and tourists alike, encouraging them to make use of Nottingham’s public transport system and also helping to increase footfall to the Tourism Centre and surrounding businesses.
The works will also include a refurbishment of Tourism Centre. Robin Hood will be featured prominently in the displays, and the makeover will help to showcase the recently overhauled range of over 250 artisan products and souvenirs, many of which have been made by local, independent businesses. The new ranges include environmentally-friendly products with a low carbon footprint, upcycled products, souvenirs and gifts.
While the Tourism Centre is currently closed due to the nationwide lockdown, it is hoped that the refurbishment will boost visitor numbers when it is permitted to reopen.
Tourist board Visit Nottinghamshire is also redeveloping its website to integrate digital marketplace TXGB to allow visitors to make direct bookings for attractions, experiences and hotels, and has also launched a new Nottingham toolkit to help other businesses promote the city to visitors.
Kinga Kapias, marketing and communications manager at Visit Nottinghamshire, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming the Travel Centre to Nottingham Tourism Centre. The tourism centre will become a one-stop-shop for visitors, who will now be able to purchase transport tickets as well as tickets for events and activities, learn about everything that Nottinghamshire has to offer, and buy Nottingham-themed souvenirs and Nottingham Forest FC merchandise.
“The refurbishment and the relocation of the Travel Centre will help to transform our Tourism Centre into an exciting new tourist hub right in the heart of the action on Old Market Square.”
Simon Redgate, the manager of the Nottingham Tourism Centre, said: “While online services and apps are becoming increasingly popular, plenty of people – not least of all tourists – like to make their travel arrangements the old-fashioned way, in person.
“Relocating the Travel Centre to this prime city centre location at our Tourism Centre will help to ensure that Nottingham’s award-winning public transport system is as accessible as possible for both our visitors and residents.
“It’s expected to further increase footfall on what is already one of Nottingham’s busiest streets – which, prior to the coronavirus pandemic, saw almost 100,000 visitors a week during peak months – giving us the opportunity to showcase the wonderful range of products from local businesses that we stock, and provide information and inspiration about everything visitors can do and see in Nottinghamshire.”
