TIC is a vital part of the visitors experience, a major component of the Tourist Information Network & it plays a crucial role in the Destination Management Process. However, a TIC should not stand alone. It should be part of a visitor information plan and able to reflect the aims & objectives of the destination’s visitors services strategy. Take a moment and see my slideshare presentation focusing on the role of tourist information centres in contemporary destination management and some practical examples in Athens, Cape Town and Manchester (Best Practice).

1. Tourist Information Centers as a vital component for providing quality visitors services. The Cases of & Manchester, UK , Cape Town, SA & Athens,GR ManolisPsarros Destination Development & Marketing Consultant

2. Definition of TIC ‘’A tourist information center, is a physical location that provides tourist information to the visitors who tour the place or area locally’’.

3. TIC is a vital part of thevisitorsexperience

4. a majorcomponent of theTouristInformationNetwork

5. & plays a crucial role in theDestinationManagement Process Stage 2: Marketing • Guide distribution - CRM and direct marketing - Holiday planning - Response to promotion - Joint marketing The Virtuous Circle of Destination Management Stage 1: Promotion • Information distribution – Brochure distribution - Press coverage - Advertisement campaigns - Branding Stage 3: Fulfilment • Reservations – Bookings - Tickets Stage 4: Experience • Tourist Information – Interpretation - Sale of Guide Books - Guided Tours - Signage Stage 5: Analysis • Surveys – Analysis – Planning – Preparation

6. however, a TIC shouldnot stand alone. Itshouldbepart of a visitorinformation plan and abletoreflecttheaims & objectives of thedestination’svisitorsservicesstrategy.

7. Visitor Information Plan Northern Ireland Visitor Information Plan

8. Visitor Information Strategic Initiatives Northern Ireland Visitor Information Strategic Initiatives

9. Objectives 1. Provide quality information to visitors & Identify additional ways to distribute information in order to reach wider audiences.

10. Objectives 2. Ensure a sustained approach to offering “personal contact services”.

11. Objectives 3. Make bookings for visitors (e.g. accommodation for leisure visitors and conference delegates, travel, attraction and event tickets).

12. Objectives 4. Build strong relationships with local tourism businesses by supporting and encouraging the quality and breadth of the visitor offer in the City.

13. Main Types of TICs

16. Literature Distribution – printed materials (localy, nationally and internationally. Locally it is vital that local businesses and language schools are adequately stocked with the free Visitor Map and guide. Bulk distribution should be made to tour operators, group organisers, conference organisers, Other TICs throughout the country and others that bring large numbers of visitors to the city.

18. Sustain Commissions for accommodation bookings & events/attractions tickets sales made for/to visitors.

19. Sell Advertising Space within TICs (banners, signs etc)

20. Launch a membership program

21. Get commission from product sales

22. Provide Official Tourist Souvenirs to other shops & get commission

24. Referrals via the TIC Contact Centre

25. Inclusion on personalised customer accommodation printouts

26. Inclusion in relevant publications

27. Information about changing customer profiles to help in their own marketing

28. Free priority racking in the VIC

29. The opportunity to receive leisure and conference delegate bookings

31. Maximising Impact of your Network (Reactive Vs Preactive, Personalized Services, Engage with DMO’s marketing stategy)

32. Sustain the Network (increase quality of services, apply PPPs)

33. New Ways of Working (embrace digital technology – social networks, iphone & smart phones applications)

35. Tourist Information Network: The Case Of Athens Further Network Expansion with one Central HUB TIC + Signage System

36. Tourist Information Network: The Case Of Athens Provide Quality Information , City Maps & Visitors Guides

37. Tourist Information Network: The Case Of Athens Athens TV Screen + Touch Screen Connected to BreathtakingAthens.com

38. Tourist Information Network: The Case Of Athens Merchandising – Official City of Athens Products - Quality Tourist Gifts & Souvenirs

39. Tourist Information Network: The Case Of Manchester Spatial Accessibility Analysis & Observation Studies for finding the Optimum Locations Analyzing Proximity from Key Attractors & Transport Hubs

40. Tourist Information Network: The Case Of Manchester Analyzing Pedestrian Flows

41. Tourist Information Network: The Case Of Manchester Detailed Site Assessments

42. Tourist Information Network: The Case Of Manchester Identification of Potential Satellite Information Providers

43. Tourist Information Network: The Case Of Manchester

44. Tourist Information Network: The Case Of Cape Town

45. Tourist Information Network: The Case Of Cape Town The Central VIC was redesigned to:

46. Tourist Information Network: The Case Of Cape Town The Central VIC was redesigned to:

47. Tourist Information Network: The Case Of Cape Town

48. Tourist Information Network: The Case Of Cape Town

50. Assignments in Australia, China, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Montserrat, Ethiopia, Seychelles, South Africa, Namibia, Estonia, Slovenia, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Greece and Belgium and throughout the UK, at national, regional and local level

51. CEO Dr Roger Carter spent 25 years working for tourism organizations – national, regional and city – within the UK